How do clinicians differentiate between congenital and acquired heart disease in children?

Clinicians differentiate between congenital and acquired heart disease in children primarily based on the timing of symptom onset. Congenital heart disease is present from birth and often manifests with symptoms either immediately after birth or within the first few months of life. In contrast, acquired heart disease typically develops later in childhood or adolescence, as a result of infections, autoimmune disorders, or other environmental factors.

For instance, a child with congenital heart disease may present with symptoms such as cyanosis, difficulty feeding, or failure to thrive soon after birth, while a child with acquired heart disease might present with symptoms indicative of a condition that developed after the newborn period, such as a murmur that appears in older childhood or signs of heart failure following a viral illness.

Age can provide context, but it is not definitive since many congenital conditions become apparent at varying ages. Genetic testing can be useful for identifying certain genetic syndromes associated with congenital heart defects but does not solely help in the differentiation process. The severity of symptoms can vary widely in both congenital and acquired conditions, making it less reliable for differentiation. Therefore, the timing of when symptoms appear is the most critical factor in distinguishing these two types of heart disease.