Could congenital heart defects be diagnosed later on in life?

Yes: A heart defect you are born with does not mean it will be diagnosed early. It may be mild, moderate, or very serious. Serious problems are usually found quickly. They include "holes in the heart", valve problems, malformed or absent chambers, valves, or blood vessels. About 1 % of all babies are born with some type of defect. They are usually diagnosed shortly after birth, occasionally much later.

Yes: Certain defects can be tolerated for many years and picked up later in life. Coarctation of the aorta is one, but many can be diagnosed later. Please consult with a physician if you have any concerns about the possible presence of a congenital heart defect.