Heart defects are of many types. While some defects can occur inside the heart, some can affect the large blood vessels outside the heart. Sometimes, performing a surgical procedure on the heart becomes necessary right after the baby is born. There are other defects as well, where the child can safely wait for months or years before undergoing surgery. Some of the general symptoms that indicate surgery may be needed are:
Cyanosis, where the skin, lips, nail beds look blue or grey. These symptoms mean that there’s not enough oxygen in the blood, a condition called hypoxia.
Problems with heart rate or heart rhythm
Wet, congested or fluid-filled lungs causing breathing problems
Poor feeding or sleeping, and slow growth or development of the child.