When this happens, the child will have a bluish color, or cyanosis, of the skin or lips. At other times, blood may go to the lungs that should go to the body. This puts a strain on the heart and lungs. If a part of the heart does not develop completely, the heart may not function well when the child is born. These situations are very serious and may require surgery.
Most defects cause a whispering sound, or murmur, as blood moves through the heart.
To make an accurate diagnosis of a congenital defect, a doctor may want to order tests such as an ultrasound or heart dye x-ray test. Mild congenital heart defects may not be noticed until the person is an adult. Occasionally, the congenital heart defect is serious and needs to be repaired by surgery. About 10 percent of all congenital heart defects are associated with a gene problem, such as Down's syndrome. Many people with congenital heart defects can live normal lives.