Some untreated heart defects can be fatal. Larger defects usually cause more symptoms. Whether or not surgery can repair the defect will greatly affect the outcome. Until the defect is corrected, the heart is under a lot of strain. The heart can get larger in size and not beat in a normal rhythm.
People can develop high blood pressure , and the lungs can become congested.
Those with heart defects are often at an increased risk for heart infections, which may be life threatening. CHD itself is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, infections that cause CHD, like the rubella virus, may be contagious. Genetic causes of CHD may be passed on to one's children. Genetic counseling may be helpful for some parents.