Heart problems associated with Down syndrome
About half of babies born with Down syndrome have some type of heart defect.1 Signs of heart problems may include poor eating and lack of growth, rapid breathing, and a bluish color to the lips, fingernails, and skin.
The most common heart defects in people with Down syndrome include:
- Atrial septal defect.
- Ventricular septal defect.
- Atrioventricular septal defect.
- Persistent patent ductus arteriosus.
- Tetralogy of Fallot.
Most of these conditions can be detected and treated at birth or soon after, giving a child a much better long-term health outlook.
Some heart problems develop later in life, particularly mitral valve prolapse. This condition appears to develop around adolescence and requires that the person take certain precautions when undergoing surgery or having certain dental procedures.
Other heart problems, such as heart failure, can develop as a complication of Down syndrome and require close monitoring and long-term medical care.
Down syndrome does not raise a person's risk of getting coronary artery disease.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: August 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics David Smith, MD - Family Medicine | |
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