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Some congenital heart defects are diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth. Others may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Your or your child’s doctor will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests and procedures based on what he or she finds in the physical exam.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is a breathing disorder that affects some people who have been diagnosed with obesity. The syndrome causes you to have too much carbon dioxide and too little oxygen in your blood. Without treatment it can lead to serious and even life-threatening health problems.

The signs, symptoms and complications of heart inflammation depend on whether you have endocarditis, myocarditis or pericarditis. Signs and symptoms may include fever and chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and fatigue. Complications of heart inflammation may be life-threatening.

A doctor will diagnose atrial fibrillation based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, the results from an electrocardiogram (EKG), and possibly other tests and procedures.

If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, it is important that you continue your treatment. Follow-up care can help your doctor check your condition and talk to you about how to prevent repeat events and what to do in an emergency.

Your doctor may diagnose pulmonary hypertension based on your risk factors and symptoms. A diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension will be made if tests show higher-than-normal pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Currently there are no routine screening tests for cardiogenic shock. The main cause of cardiogenic shock is a heart attack, which is a complication of ischemic heart disease. You can reduce your risk for cardiogenic shock by adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes to help prevent ischemic heart disease. If you already have ischemic heart disease or another heart condition, follow your doctor’s instructions about taking care of your health, getting regular check-ups, and taking medicines.

Certain factors may increase the risk that your newborn will have RDS. These factors include infection, premature delivery, problems with your baby’s lung development, stress during your baby’s delivery, and you having diabetes.

If you or your child has known risk factors for a conduction disorder, the doctor may recommend screening, which may include genetic testing. Screening tests for conduction disorders may also be suggested for competitive athletes. Depending on the cause of your conduction disorder, heart-healthy lifestyle changes and other precautions may help decrease the risk of developing a conduction disorder.

Your doctor and specialists on your healthcare team can determine if you need a stent by using certain tests and procedures. If you need a stent, talk to your doctor about how to prepare for the procedure.