Congenital heart defects: what the newborn echocardiogram checks

Quick answer. If your baby has Down syndrome, pediatricians recommend an echocardiogram in the first two to three months of life — even if you don’t see any symptoms. It’s an ultrasound exam, it doesn’t hurt, and it checks whether the heart has any connection that didn’t close the way it should have.

Why it matters. Approximately half of all babies born with Down syndrome have some type of heart condition. Many of these defects show no visible signs at birth — the baby can look and behave completely normally. That’s why the exam is recommended for every newborn with Down syndrome, not only for those showing symptoms.

What the source says. According to NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) health guidelines, the most common defect is atrioventricular septal defect (also called “AV canal”), followed by ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and tetralogy of Fallot. Echocardiography is the reference exam for diagnosing these defects because it shows the heart’s muscle and valves in motion. Catching it in the first months allows treatment — which can range from simple monitoring to surgery — to be planned before complications like heart failure appear.

What can you do now? If your baby hasn’t had an echocardiogram yet, ask your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist for one this week. You don’t need to wait for a symptom to show up.

To go deeper. NDSS — The Heart & Down Syndrome: explains each type of heart defect and what to expect from treatment.

⚠️ This isn't medical advice. It describes what the cited sources say — always check with your child's pediatrician or specialist before making health decisions.