Congenital Heart Block: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Congenital Heart Block?
A heart specialist called a cardiologist usually cares for people with congenital heart block. A cardiologist is a doctor who treats problems of the heart and blood vessels. Babies and children often see a special kind of cardiologist called a pediatric cardiologist, who focuses on heart problems in children. A family doctor can help with follow-up care.
What it is
Congenital heart block is a heart rhythm problem present at birth. Electrical signals cannot move normally from the heart's upper chambers to the lower chambers, so the heart beats too slowly.
Symptoms
Some babies have no symptoms. Newborns may have pale or bluish skin, breathing problems, poor feeding, and sleepiness. Older children may feel tired, dizzy, or faint during activity.
Causes and who gets it
A common cause is the mother's autoimmune disease, such as lupus, whose antibodies cross the placenta and damage the baby's heart wiring. Some cases involve gene changes or structural heart defects. It is rare and does not spread between people.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors often notice a slow fetal heartbeat during pregnancy and confirm it with a fetal echocardiogram. After birth, an electrocardiogram, or EKG, records the heart's electrical signals; a Holter monitor or echocardiogram may also be used.
Treatment
Mild cases may only need regular checkups. When the heartbeat is dangerously slow, treatment is a pacemaker, a small device under the skin that sends pulses to keep the heart beating safely. Many children need one, and most live full lives.
When to see a doctor
Call a doctor if a child is unusually tired, faints, or cannot keep up with other kids. For a baby, seek care right away for bluish skin, very poor feeding, or extreme sleepiness. Pregnant women with lupus should tell their doctor.
What kind of doctor treats it
A cardiologist leads care, and a pediatric cardiologist treats children. An electrophysiologist may place the pacemaker. A direct primary care doctor, paid a flat monthly fee instead of insurance, or a concierge doctor can order tests and coordinate care with the cardiologist, but cannot place a pacemaker.
Common questions
Can congenital heart block go away on its own?
No, the block itself does not usually go away. It comes from how the heart's electrical system formed or was affected before birth. Some mild cases stay stable for years and never need treatment. A cardiologist monitors the heartbeat to decide if or when treatment is needed.
Will a child with congenital heart block be able to play sports?
Many children with this condition can be active, but limits depend on how slow the heartbeat is and whether a pacemaker is in place. The cardiologist gives advice on which activities are safe. Rules often change after a pacemaker is placed.
Can it be found before a baby is born?
Yes. Doctors can often spot a slow fetal heartbeat during routine pregnancy checkups and confirm it with a fetal echocardiogram. Early finding lets the care team plan for the baby's delivery and treatment.
Does having lupus during pregnancy mean my baby will have heart block?
Not necessarily. The risk is higher for mothers with certain autoantibodies, which are immune proteins, but most babies of mothers with lupus do not develop heart block. Doctors can watch the baby's heart during pregnancy with extra ultrasounds.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
