Medical Research
Born with a heart problem? Adult life explained
Your cousin had heart surgery as a baby. Now she is 26 and planning her wedding.
Some people are born with a heart that formed in a different way. Most grow up, study, work and marry. But the heart needs check-ups for life, even after surgery. See a heart doctor if you get breathless, tire fast or feel your heart race.
What: A heart problem from birth (congenital heart disease) that lasts into adult life.
How common: In India, about 9 in 1,000 babies are born with one. That is over 2 lakh babies a year.
See a doctor: For regular check-ups, even when you feel well.
What helps: Lifelong check-ups, daily activity, healthy teeth and planning before pregnancy.
GET WELL: Know your heart and when to act
1. Is it just tiredness, or is it my heart?
It may be your heart if tiredness comes with breathlessness. A heart problem from birth can show signs years later. Some people first learn about it as adults.
What you may notice | What it can feel like |
|---|---|
Breathless | You gasp on the stairs or with heavy bags. |
Tired fast | You need rest after small jobs at home. |
Fluttering heart | Your heart races or skips, even at rest. |
Blue or grey colour | Lips, gums or nails look bluish. |
Swelling | Your feet, legs or tummy look puffy. |
These signs can have other causes too. A doctor can find out what is going on.
2. Why does it happen? (It is no one's fault)
The heart forms in the first weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes a wall, valve or blood vessel forms differently. Often, doctors cannot find one reason.
Holes: In India, the most common type is a hole between the lower heart rooms.
Genes: It can run in some families.
Rubella: This infection in early pregnancy can harm a baby's heart. A vaccine protects against it.
Chance: Most of the time, there is no clear cause.
It is not a punishment. Nothing you or your mother did wrong caused it.
3. What do Indian families often believe?
What people say | What is true |
|---|---|
"The operation fixed it for good." | Surgery helps a lot, but it is not a cure. The heart still needs check-ups. |
"No symptoms means no problem." | Problems can grow quietly. Many families seek care only when signs get bad. |
"Heart patients must not exercise." | Most people do better with some activity. Your doctor sets safe limits. |
4. When should we see a doctor?
Watch at home if: you feel well and your last check-up was fine. Keep your next visit.
Book a doctor if: you had heart surgery as a child and stopped check-ups. Book also if you get breathless, tire fast or feel your heart flutter. Book before you plan a pregnancy too. Book a doctor
Go now if: you have chest pain, cannot breathe, or faint. Go if your lips suddenly turn blue. Go if your heart races and will not settle, or you feel confused. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital now. Find your emergency number
At the check-up, the doctor listens to your heart. You may get a heart tracing (ECG) and a heart scan (echo). Bring your old reports and surgery papers. Ask for a heart doctor who treats adults born with heart problems.
LIVE WELL: Live a full life with your heart
5. What actually helps?
Some people need medicines, a procedure or another surgery. Your heart team decides this with you. Every day, these habits help too:
Check-ups: Regular visits catch rhythm or valve problems early. (Strong)
Moving: Regular, gentle activity is good for the heart. You do not need to be an athlete. (Strong)
Teeth: Gum infections can spread to the heart. Keep up dental check-ups. (Strong)
Pregnancy plans: Talk to your heart team before you try for a baby. (Strong)
Mind: Worry is common. Tell your care team if you feel low. (Some)
6. What can we start this week?
Start with any three:
Find your old heart reports and surgery papers.
Book a heart check-up if you have missed one.
Take a short walk after dinner, if your doctor agrees.
Book a dental check-up.
Stop smoking or vaping, and cut down on alcohol.
Help in India: Children and teens up to 18 can get checked under RBSK. This is the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. Heart problems from birth are on its list. Ayushman Bharat gives eligible families hospital cover of up to ₹5 lakh a year. Ask at your nearest government hospital.
7. Will I be okay?
Most likely, yes. With timely care, most babies born with heart problems now grow into adults. An Indian study looked at 325 adults. Their life quality was close to adults in other countries. Women scored a little lower, so they may need extra support. How breathless you feel matters most, so treat it early.
The good news: Many adults born with heart problems study, work and raise families. Regular check-ups keep small problems small. With the right team, you can plan a full life.
Need help? Book a doctor · Book a wellness provider
Get Well. Live Well.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider about any health concern. Do not start, stop or change any medicine or treatment based only on this information. Individual needs vary, and only your doctor can give guidance tailored to you. In an emergency, do not wait for an online consultation. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. Find emergency numbers for every country, by continent.
Written by: GEWO Health Team · Medically reviewed by: [Reviewer name, cardiologist] · Last reviewed: [Date] · Next review: [Date + 12 months]
References
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Burden of congenital heart diseases in a tertiary cardiac care institute in Western India. Heart India, 2018.
Khan DA, et al. The spectrum of heart disease in pregnancy and its outcome, Northeast India. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018.
National Health Mission Uttarakhand. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Ahsan AK, et al. Adult congenital heart disease and reasons for delayed diagnosis, Karachi. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2024.
NHS. Congenital heart disease: symptoms, treatment and living with it.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and statistics on congenital heart defects.
World Health Organization. Rubella fact sheet.
Longmuir PE, et al. Promotion of physical activity for children and adults with congenital heart disease. American Heart Association scientific statement, Circulation, 2013.
Adult Congenital Heart Association. Finding lifelong specialised care as an adult with congenital heart disease.
