Symptoms

Many congenital heart defects cause few or no signs and symptoms. A doctor may not even detect signs of a heart defect during a physical exam.

Some heart defects do cause signs and symptoms. They depend on the number, type, and severity of the defects. Severe defects can cause signs and symptoms, usually in newborns. These signs and symptoms may include:

Rapid breathing
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails)
Fatigue (tiredness)
Poor blood circulation

Congenital heart defects don't cause chest pain or other painful symptoms.