Congenital heart defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy, shortly after birth, or later in life. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Fetal Echocardiogram: An ultrasound performed during pregnancy to detect heart defects in the developing fetus.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that can detect structural abnormalities and assess heart function.
- Chest X-ray: To look for an enlarged heart or other signs of a heart defect.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To measure the electrical activity of the heart and identify abnormal rhythms.
- Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Detailed imaging tests that provide a clearer view of the heart’s structure and function. Diagnosis may also involve genetic testing to identify any associated syndromes or conditions.