What Health-Related Problems Come With Heart Defects?

Approximately 8 out of 1,000 individuals are born with heart defects and it is important to know what health-related problems come with heart defects. Some heart defects show almost no symptoms and people may only discover them from a routine exam. Other heart defects require lifestyle modifications or life-long intervention, so it is important that you talk to your doctor to learn more about your specific health-related problems, as symptoms can vary widely in individuals. Learn about health problems that come with heart defects.

One common health complication from a heart defect is abnormal blood flow. If your heart defect is related to heart valve disease, like Mitral Valve Prolapse. The Mitral valve separates the upper and lower chambers; prolapsed means it does not close properly This prolapse can regurgitate blood back into the lung instead of flowing to the arteries. An estimated 10 percent of the population is thought to have a structural heart valve abnormality and only half suffer sever complications. 

Another complication from a heart defect is irregular heart beat or Arrhythmia. A normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute, but if there is a complication due to a heart-defect, your heart might beat faster or slower. If your heart is beating too slowly (and you are not an endurance athlete)  you could feel dizzy or pass out because blood isn't pumping efficiently throughout your body. If your heart is beating too fast, your heart might be working erratically, which can cause chest pain, fatigue, and possibly heart attack.

References:

Congenital Heart Defects

Heart Defect Signs and Symptoms

What is Heart Valve Disease?