At what age do symptoms of congenital heart defects usually present?

Symptoms of congenital heart defects typically present at birth. This is due to the fact that these defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present from the time of fetal development. Many congenital heart defects can lead to significant circulatory issues that manifest immediately upon birth or shortly thereafter, particularly if they affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively or impair blood flow to vital organs.

While some defects may not show obvious symptoms until later in infancy or childhood, the most common and significant manifestations occur right at or shortly after birth. Conditions such as cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin), difficulty breathing, and feeding issues often signal that an infant has a congenital heart issue requiring medical evaluation.

Understanding this timing is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals.