Congenital Heart Disease Care in New Jersey at Hackensack Meridian Health
Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to problems with the heart’s structure that are present from birth. While heart defects may be diagnosed in the womb or immediately after birth, some may not show up until later in life.
Some defects are simple and may not cause symptoms, while others are more complex and may require ongoing care or surgery. At Hackensack Meridian Health, our experts provide innovative treatments and lifelong management to help you live a full and healthy life.
Symptoms of Structural and Congenital Heart Disease
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Blue coloring of the skin, lips or fingernails
- Feeling out of breath and exceptionally tired during or after physical exertion
- Fluid buildup in the lungs and shortness of breath
- Swelling in the neck, abdomen, lower legs and feet
Types of Conditions We Treat
How are Structural and Congenital Heart Conditions Diagnosed?
Our cardiologists use one or more non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography (Echo or EKG) to diagnose heart defects.
You may undergo a state-of-the-art minimally invasive diagnostic test including cardiac catheterization or electrophysiology. Often, we can diagnose and treat congenital heart conditions at the same time, without requiring invasive surgery.
Heart Screenings, Prevention and Diagnostics
Heart screenings, prevention tools and diagnostic tests are all services offered by our cardiology specialists to help understand a patient’s heart condition or risk of heart disease, as well as what prevention or treatment options should be used.
Are You At Risk for Heart Disease?
Complete this simple 10-question quiz to determine if you're at risk for heart disease and get connected with a doctor to keep your heart health in check.
Innovative Valve and Structural Heart Surgery
Our doctors are pioneers in the latest procedures to treat structural and congenital heart conditions. You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure even if you’ve been told surgery is not an option for you. These innovative techniques result in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. Our state-of-the-art hybrid operating rooms give surgeons the flexibility to perform robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures, with the ability to use open-surgery when needed.
Additional Treatments for Structural and Congenital Heart Disease
We offer the full range of advanced treatments for structural and congenital heart disease. Our team can recommend the most effective approach for your condition, which may include:
Convenient Access to Expert Heart Care
Hackensack Meridian Health offers Structural and Congenital Heart centers at Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Our patients have access to innovative surgical procedures at these two major academic medical centers, as well as highly coordinated treatment and cardiac rehabilitation services through our integrated network of hospitals located close to home.
Why Choose Us for Heart Care
Our heart experts perform New Jersey's most successful minimally invasive heart surgeries. Hackensack University Medical Center has earned the distinction of being the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in NJ from U.S. News & World Report.
Our Cardiology Specialists
The combination of expert surgeons, advanced technology and array of heart care services makes Hackensack Meridian Health a trusted choice for patients and families in New Jersey.