Heart disease can strike any time, anywhere, to any one. Some studies say that heart disease like stroke or rheumatic heart disease usually happens to those who are between the ages of 27 to 65. However, there are some cases as young as 1 year old (sometimes even less) where heart attack may occur, especially if the condition is already present when they were born – this is also known as a congenital heart defect.

There are no proven causes of congenital heart defects. It may happen to a baby, even if the mother takes good care of herself and the baby while she is still pregnant. However, doctors think that it is most likely hereditary.

There are several signs of congenital heart defects that can already be seen once the baby is born. Doctors may easily notice the rapid breathing of the baby. The newborn will also have cyanosis. This is when the color of the skin is bluish and so are the fingernails. And with the use of a stethoscope, experts will hear a heart murmur or other unusual sounds that can be heard while the heart beats.

Unfortunately, there are times that a young child will not show any signs of a congenital heart defect. That is why it can be quite difficult to know as to when the condition would strike.