There are three major categories of heart defects in infants and children which require surgery. The vast majority of infants and children who require heart surgery usually have some symptoms, which include shortness of breath, poor appetite, poor weight gain, and a blue tint to their skin. Surgery is now often performed early in these children, in order to ensure proper weight gain and development. At the present time, the vast majority of cardiac surgery can be done successfully in all age groups, from a few days old to adolescence, with excellent results and a low mortality rate. For more information, talk with a health care provider.
Blood backs up, and excess fluid collects in the lungs and other tissues.
The heart is unable to pump enough blood out to the organs and muscles. Anything that weakens the heart can bring on heart failure, but the most common cause is coronary artery disease, causing a heart attack. It can also result from high blood pressure, heart muscle or heart valves that are damaged by infection or inflammation, congenital defects, or heart rhythm problems. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and a nagging cough. The cardiologist may listen for fluid in the lungs, or tap the chest, to see if fluid's collecting there.