Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are among the most common types of congenital disabilities, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and clinical management. This 1-hour CME/CE course provides an essential overview for healthcare professionals on the recognition, diagnostic approach, and early management of CHD across a range of clinical settings.

The course examines the historical context of CHD diagnosis and treatment, differentiates between ductal-dependent and non-ductal-dependent lesions, and reviews critical risk factors for newborns. Participants will learn how to identify postnatal signs and symptoms of CHD, employ key diagnostic tools, and initiate appropriate clinical management strategies to stabilize affected infants. This training is ideal for providers working in pediatrics, neonatology, emergency medicine, and family practice.

Educational Objectives

• Review the historical and clinical background of congenital heart defects (CHD).
• Distinguish between ductal-dependent and non-ductal-dependent CHD types.
• Identify key prenatal and postnatal risk factors that elevate CHD likelihood in newborns.
• Recognize clinical signs and symptoms of CHD in the immediate postnatal period.
• Discuss appropriate diagnostic tools and imaging for CHD evaluation.
• Review first-line management strategies for stabilizing neonates with CHD.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is recommended for:

• Pediatricians, neonatologists, and pediatric cardiologists.
• Family medicine providers and general practitioners caring for newborns.
• Emergency medicine and urgent care clinicians evaluating acutely ill infants.
• Nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in NICU, PICU, and pediatric outpatient settings.

Did You Know?

• CHDs affect nearly 1 in every 100 babies born in the United States. [CDC, 2022]
• Early diagnosis of ductal-dependent CHD is crucial to prevent life-threatening circulatory collapse. [American Heart Association, 2021]
• Pulse oximetry screening has become a standard of care for CHD detection in newborns. [AAP, 2020]
• About 25% of infants with CHD require surgery or other procedures within their first year of life.
• Delayed diagnosis of CHD remains a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality.