What Teachers Should Know Congenital heart defects develop in fetuses early in pregnancy, causing one abnormality or a combination of abnormalities in the structure of the heart. Some of the more common defects are: holes in the walls between the heart's chambers abnormal heart valves abnormalities in the blood vessels entering or leaving the heart Congenital heart defects can range from mild to severe. Some may cause serious symptoms at birth, requiring intensive hospital care. Other defects may not be diagnosed until the teen or even adult years. Most kids and teens with simple heart defects don't need any special care at school. Those with more complicated heart defects, though, may show signs that need attention, such as: fast breathing or shortness of breath bluish coloring of the skin (cyanosis) chest discomfort Students with congenital heart defects may: tire easily or want to avoid activities that require a lot of exertion have activity restrictions need to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated or stay indoors on hot days need extra time to go to and from classes need to go the bathroom a lot if they're taking diuretic medication have bluish skin coloring due to low oxygen levels need to use supplemental oxygen need to go to the school nurse for medicines miss class time to see cardiologists or other medical professionals have developmental delays or learning problems What Teachers Can Do Check with your student's parents or guardians to learn about the nature of the heart condition and any effects on learning and school activities. If a student with a congenital heart defect misses class time for doctor visits or hospitalizations, allow extra time for assignments and provide make-up work if appropriate. Most kids and teens with congenital heart defects can fully participate in most physical and extracurricular activities and should be encouraged to do so. Back to Articles Related Articles Heart and Circulatory System The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article. Read More Heart and Circulatory System The heart and circulatory system (also called the cardiovascular system) make up the network that delivers blood to the body's tissues. Read More Your Heart & Circulatory System Your heart is a hard-working muscle. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More The Heart Your heart beats and sends oxygen throughout your entire body. Find out how it works and how heart problems can be fixed. Read More Coarctation of the Aorta When someone has coarctation of the aorta, that person's aorta (the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body) is narrowed at some point. Read More Congenital Heart Defects Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy. Read More Coarctation of the Aorta Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body. Read More Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. If it stays open, the result is a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Read More Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully. 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