Diagnosis

To diagnose congenital heart disease, your doctor will do a physical exam and listen to your heart with a stethoscope. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical and family history.

Tests to diagnose or rule out congenital heart disease include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG). This painless test records the electrical signals in your heart. An ECG can diagnose many heart problems, including irregular heartbeats and blocked arteries. Sometimes, ECGs are done while you exercise, typically on a bike or treadmill. This method is called a stress test.
• Chest X-ray. These images can show changes in the size and shape of your heart and problems with your lungs.
• Pulse oximetry. A small sensor attached to your finger can estimate how much oxygen is in your blood.
• Echocardiogram. Sound waves (ultrasound) create images of the moving heart. Your doctor can use this test to see how your heart's chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. Echocardiograms may also be done while you exercise, typically on a bike or treadmill.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram. If more-detailed images of your heart are needed, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram. In this test, a flexible tube containing the transducer is guided down your throat and into the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). It's done while you are sedated.
• Cardiac CT scan and MRI. These tests create images of your heart and chest. Cardiac CT scans use X-rays. Cardiac MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your heart. For both tests, you lie on a table that slides inside a long tubelike machine.
• Cardiac catheterization. Your doctor might use this test to check blood flow and blood pressures in your heart. You'll be given sleeping medication. Then, the doctor gently inserts a catheter into an artery or vein in your groin, neck or arm and up to your heart. X-rays are used to guide the catheter to the correct position. Sometimes, dye is injected through the catheter. The dye helps blood vessels show up better on the images.