ABSTRACT
The prevalence of congenital heart disease overall is eight per 1000 live births. The risk of congenital heart disease in a baby born to a couple where one of the partners has a congenital heart defect is in the range 2-50%. Genetic counselling should be offered to couples, and this is available in specialised centres. Patients with known congenital heart disease should, depending on their age, be referred to the relevant centre for long-term monitoring. Primary care physicians should educate and remind patients with congenital heart disease about their condition and their future prospects. The causes of congenital heart disease are unclear, but are thought to involve genetic and environmental factors during formation of the heart. These including maternal rubella, alcohol abuse, lithium, certain drugs, radiation, congenital heart disease in the mother, and congenital heart disease in a previous pregnancy or in a first-degree relative.
