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.
Treatment often involves open heart surgery to correct the heart defect.
Sometimes more than one defect occurs at the same time and more than one operation is needed. With certain defects, medication may be all that is needed. In others, no treatment other than observation is needed. Surgery to correct a heart defect can be simple or very complicated. Side effects of treatment depend on the severity of the defect.