Congenital Heart Disease

Some heart conditions are present from birth, even if they aren’t noticed until much later. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC, board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine physician Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, provides expert care for adults with congenital heart disease in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Telemedicine consultations are now available. Schedule an appointment online or phone the office to book an in-person or virtual visit.

What is congenital heart disease (CHD)?

CHD is a group of structural problems in the heart that develop before birth. These issues may involve the heart’s walls, valves, or the major blood vessels connected to it.

Some cases of CHD are mild and may not require ongoing treatment, while others are complex and may affect blood flow and heart function over time. Many people with congenital heart disease need lifelong monitoring to track changes and avoid complications.

Can congenital heart defects go unnoticed until adulthood?

Although many children receive a CHD diagnosis at birth or in childhood, some cases go undetected for years or decades.

This is more common with less serious defects that cause only mild symptoms.

Adults may discover they have CHD through routine heart screenings like echocardiograms or annual physicals. 

Or, adults may visit their cardiologist complaining of symptoms that suggest a heart problem, only to learn that the CHD was there all along and only caused problems recently.

What symptoms may point to CHD later in life?

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of CHD. Adults may experience:

• Chest pain
• Growing exhausted quickly during exercise
• Extremity swelling (particularly in the legs or ankles)
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Some people may experience additional problems such as heart arrhythmias, heart murmurs, or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

These signs can develop gradually, so it’s important to seek evaluation if symptoms change or worsen.

How is congenital heart disease diagnosed?

Dr. Sankholkar performs a physical exam, followed by imaging tests such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, or CT scans. He may recommend an electrocardiogram (EKG) or exercise stress test to assess heart rhythm.

He uses all of this information to pinpoint the type of congenital heart disease and whether it's affecting blood flow or heart function.

What is the prognosis for congenital heart disease?

Many treatments are available to help you stay healthy. Some CHDs require monitoring but not treatment. Others may require:

• Medication
• Implanted device (like a pacemaker)
• Catheter-based treatments to repair defects or widen blood vessels
• Surgery to repair structural defects
• Heart transplant

The prognosis for congenital heart disease is excellent. At least 97% of people with CHD live to adulthood, with many enjoying a long, healthy life. 

To book a consultation in Midtown Manhattan, call the office or reach out online.