How Is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed in the UK?

 Congenital heart disease is diagnosed through a combination of prenatal screening, newborn examinations, and specialised imaging tests.

In many cases, diagnosis begins during pregnancy. The 20-week anomaly scan allows clinicians to assess the baby’s heart structure. If concerns arise, a fetal echocardiogram provides further detail.

After birth, all babies undergo a physical examination. Clinicians listen for heart murmurs and assess circulation. Pulse oximetry is often used to measure oxygen levels and detect hidden defects.

If a heart condition is suspected, further testing is required.

Echocardiograms provide detailed images of the heart’s structure and blood flow. ECG tests assess electrical activity, while chest X rays help evaluate heart size and lung involvement.

Some cases are diagnosed later in childhood.

This often occurs when a heart murmur is detected or when symptoms such as fatigue or breathlessness develop.

This multi-stage approach ensures that congenital heart disease can be identified at different points in a child’s development.

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