Can congenital heart disease be fatal?

　　Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a highly dangerous condition; if left untreated, it can lead to numerous complications. Initially, it may cause pneumonia and heart failure. Additionally, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may develop. Once PAH occurs, surgical intervention often becomes impossible, and patients may also develop infective endocarditis. So, can congenital heart disease be fatal?

　　Can congenital heart disease be fatal?

　　Yes—untreated congenital heart disease can result in death. For relatively simple defects such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or atrial septal defect (ASD), timely and appropriate treatment—including early surgical correction—typically enables patients to achieve near-normal quality of life and life expectancy, with outcomes comparable to those of healthy individuals; mortality is extremely rare in these cases. However, if CHD remains undiagnosed or untreated, the condition may progressively worsen, leading to severe complications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, cardiac infection (e.g., endocarditis), or brain abscess. Even with subsequent treatment, patients may suffer significant long-term sequelae—or even death.

　　More complex forms of CHD—such as transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)—require prompt surgical intervention. In some cases, corrective surgery must be performed shortly after birth. With successful correction, affected children’s growth and development generally approach normal levels, though multiple surgeries may be necessary over time. As the child grows, further surgical procedures may be required. Surgery for such complex CHD is technically demanding, carries higher risks, and is associated with a significantly elevated mortality rate.

　　In daily life, patients should maintain a disciplined diet—avoiding spicy, irritating, or excessively rich foods—and refrain from binge eating or staying up late. We hope this information has been helpful.