Every February, families, doctors, and communities worldwide come together for a cause that touches 1.35 million newborns each year. Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week, observed from February 7 through February 14, shines a light on the world’s most common birth defect — and the people who live with it every single day.
Whether you are a parent of a “heart warrior,” a medical professional, or simply someone who wants to understand what CHD means, this guide covers the history, the science, the milestones, and the ways you can make a difference during CHD Awareness Week 2026.
What Is Congenital Heart Disease and Why Does It Affect So Many Babies?
Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to a group of structural problems with the heart that are present from birth. The word “congenital” simply means the condition exists before or at the time of delivery. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, arteries, or veins. They disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart and out to the rest of the body.
CHD is not a single disease. There are more than 30 recognized types of heart defects, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Some babies have a small hole between the heart’s chambers that closes on its own. Others are born with missing or severely malformed parts that require immediate surgery.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHDs affect roughly 1 in every 100 births in the United States each year. That adds up to about 40,000 American newborns annually. Globally, the British Heart Foundation estimates that CHD is diagnosed in around 1 in 110 births worldwide — about 1.2 million babies every year, or roughly one diagnosis every 26 seconds.
Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects
| Type of Defect | What It Means | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) | A hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart | Often mild; most common CHD |
| Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) | A hole in the wall between the upper chambers | Mild to moderate |
| Aortic Valve Stenosis | Narrowing of the aortic valve, reducing blood flow | Moderate to severe |
| Tetralogy of Fallot | A combination of four heart defects | Severe; requires surgery |
| Pulmonary Atresia | The pulmonary valve does not form properly | Severe; requires early intervention |
| Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect (CAVC) | A large hole in the center of the heart | Severe |
About 1 in 4 babies born with a CHD has what doctors call a “critical” congenital heart defect. These babies typically need surgery or other medical procedures within their first year of life.
How Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week Started: A Brief History
The origins of CHD Awareness Week trace back to the efforts of families who refused to let their children’s condition go unnoticed.
The Grassroots Beginning in 1999
The movement began in 1999 through the work of Jeanne Imperati, a mother and CHD advocate. She, along with other parents of children born with heart defects, pushed for state governors across the United States to recognize February 14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. The choice of Valentine’s Day — a day already linked to hearts — was deliberate and symbolic.
Their grassroots campaign gained momentum. More states signed proclamations. More families shared their stories. Over time, that single day expanded into a full week of awareness, running from February 7 to February 14. Today, organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), Mended Hearts, and the Children’s Heart Foundation all sponsor and promote events during this period.
The Broader February Heart Health Connection
CHD Awareness Week does not exist in isolation. The entire month of February is designated as American Heart Month by the AHA. The first Friday of the month is National Wear Red Day, when millions of people wear red to raise awareness about heart disease in general. CHD Awareness Week fits naturally into this broader landscape, drawing extra attention during a month already devoted to heart health.
Why Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Matters More Than Ever in 2026
The need for CHD awareness is not fading. In many ways, it is growing.
A Rapidly Growing Adult CHD Population
Medical advances over the past several decades have transformed survival rates. According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, over 90% of babies born with heart defects in the United States now survive well into adulthood. This is a remarkable success story — but it has created a new challenge.
There are now more adults living with CHD than children. The CDC estimates that roughly 2 to 3 million Americans are living with a congenital heart defect. Many of these adults need lifelong cardiac care, including repeat surgeries, medication management, and mental health support. Yet a significant number of them stop seeing congenital heart disease specialists once they leave pediatric care.
The December 2025 ACC/AHA Guideline Update
In a landmark move, the ACC and AHA published a comprehensive new guideline in December 2025 for managing adults with congenital heart disease. This guideline — the first full revision since 2018 — emphasized several key points:
- Specialized care matters. Adults with CHD have better outcomes when they receive care at dedicated Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) centers.
- Transition planning is essential. Teens should start preparing for the move to adult care between ages 12 and 16, with the actual transfer typically happening between ages 18 and 21.
- Mental health is part of heart health. The guideline expanded its focus on mental well-being, physical activity, reproductive health, and heart failure management in CHD patients.
- Multidisciplinary teams are recommended. Complex cases benefit from a team approach, involving cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and mental health professionals.
Dr. Michelle Gurvitz, chair of the guideline writing committee and a cardiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, noted that the amount of research being published in the field has grown at a near-exponential rate (Gurvitz et al., “2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.” Circulation, 2025).
Key Milestones in Congenital Heart Disease Research and Treatment
The story of CHD is a story of medical progress — slow at first, then remarkably fast. Here are some of the breakthroughs that have shaped the field.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1858 | Thomas Bevill Peacock publishes a comprehensive study on heart malformations at St. Thomas Hospital in London, classifying CHDs into categories for the first time |
| 1938 | Dr. Robert Edward Gross performs the first ligation of patent ductus arteriosus, launching the era of congenital heart surgery |
| 1944 | The first Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure is performed, guided by the work of Dr. Helen Taussig, a founder of pediatric cardiology |
| 1952 | Dr. John F. Lewis performs the first successful intracardiac surgery, repairing an atrial septal defect |
| 1953 | Development of cardiopulmonary bypass technology makes open-heart surgery possible |
| 1983 | The first arterial switch operation is performed on an 11-day-old baby, a major advance for treating transposition of the great arteries |
| 1999 | CHD Awareness Day is established through the efforts of Jeanne Imperati and other parent advocates |
| 2011 | Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects is adopted in the United States, allowing early detection in newborns |
| 2018 | The AHA and ACC publish guidelines for managing adults with congenital heart disease |
| 2025 | A fully revised ACC/AHA guideline is released, reflecting the latest evidence on ACHD care |
Understanding the Global Burden of Congenital Heart Disease
CHD does not respect national borders. It occurs at similar rates across countries and continents. But the outcomes vary dramatically depending on where a child is born.
The Numbers Tell a Stark Story
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine analyzed CHD data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2021. The findings painted a complex picture. While death rates from CHD in children under five have been falling in high-income countries, the burden remains heavy in regions with limited healthcare resources.
Countries with high fertility rates and low incomes face a disproportionate challenge. They have more children born with CHD per working adult, and fewer resources to treat them. In wealthy nations, a child born with a complex heart defect has access to advanced surgical centers, pulse oximetry screening, and decades of follow-up care. In many lower-income countries, the same child may never receive a diagnosis.
Regional Differences at a Glance
| Region | Key Challenge |
|---|---|
| North America and Western Europe | Managing the growing adult CHD population; ensuring continuity of care from pediatric to adult services |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Limited access to cardiac surgery; late diagnosis; high infant mortality from untreated CHD |
| South and Southeast Asia | High birth prevalence; growing but uneven access to surgical correction |
| Latin America | Improving screening programs; strengthening referral pathways for critical CHDs |
| East Asia | Expanding coverage of newborn screening; addressing disparities between urban and rural care |
How to Get Involved During CHD Awareness Week February 7–14, 2026
CHD Awareness Week is not just for families affected by heart defects. Everyone can play a role. Here are some practical ways to participate in 2026.
Wear Red to Show Support for Heart Warriors
Red is the color of CHD awareness — and of heart health in general. On any day during the week, wear something red. Take a photo and share it on social media with hashtags like #CHDAwareness, #1in100, and #HeartWarrior. This simple act starts conversations.
Share Stories and Facts on Social Media
The most powerful tool for awareness is a real story. If you or someone you know lives with a CHD, consider sharing that experience. For reliable facts and data, the CDC’s congenital heart defects page and the American Heart Association’s CHD resources are excellent starting points.
Support or Join a Congenital Heart Walk
The Children’s Heart Foundation organizes Congenital Heart Walks across the United States. These events raise money for research and bring heart families together. Visit the Children’s Heart Foundation website to find a walk near you.
Ask Your Local Officials for a Proclamation
As the Mended Hearts organization explains, each year many groups ask their governor, mayor, or local official to sign a proclamation declaring February 7–14 as CHD Awareness Week. A proclamation carries symbolic weight and helps put CHD on the public agenda. Contact your local government representative through their official website to make this request.
Donate to CHD Research
Every dollar directed toward CHD research brings the field closer to better treatments and, one day, prevention. The AHA and the Children’s Heart Foundation co-fund the Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards program, supporting medical professionals who work to understand and treat these conditions.
Risk Factors and Early Signs of Congenital Heart Defects in Newborns
While the exact cause of many CHDs remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that may increase the risk.
Known Risk Factors for CHD
- Family history. A parent or sibling with a CHD raises the likelihood.
- Genetic conditions. Certain chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with higher rates of CHD.
- Maternal health. Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and certain infections during pregnancy can increase CHD risk.
- Medication and substance exposure. Some prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use during pregnancy are linked to higher risk.
- Environmental factors. Research funded by the CDC has found associations between maternal workplace pesticide exposure and certain CHDs.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Newborns and infants with a CHD may show the following symptoms:
- A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis)
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath during feeding
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Excessive sweating, especially during feeding
- Unusual tiredness or fatigue
- A heart murmur detected by a doctor
Since 2011, many states in the U.S. have adopted pulse oximetry screening for newborns, which measures blood oxygen levels. This simple, painless test can detect critical CHDs before symptoms appear, saving lives in the process.
Living with Congenital Heart Disease: From Childhood to Adulthood
One of the most important messages of CHD Awareness Week is this: CHD is a lifelong condition. Even after successful surgery in infancy, many people with heart defects need ongoing monitoring, additional procedures, and emotional support throughout their lives.
The Growing Population of Adults with CHD
Thanks to surgical and medical advances, there are now more adults living with CHD than children in the United States. The CDC estimates that roughly 2 to 3 million Americans are currently living with a congenital heart defect. Globally, the numbers are far larger.
This growing population faces unique challenges. Many adults with CHD deal with heart rhythm problems, reduced exercise capacity, heart failure, and increased risk during pregnancy. The 2025 ACC/AHA guideline specifically addresses these concerns, calling for routine care at specialized ACHD centers and emphasizing the importance of mental health support.
Famous People Who Live with CHD
CHD touches people from every walk of life. Olympic snowboarder Shaun White was born with a heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot and had two open-heart surgeries before his first birthday. Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys has lived with CHD since birth. Their stories remind us that a CHD diagnosis is not the end of a dream — it is the beginning of a different kind of strength.
What the Future Holds for Congenital Heart Disease Research
The field of CHD research is moving faster than at any point in history.
Advances in Imaging and 3D Printing
Hospitals around the world are using 3D printing to create models of a child’s heart before surgery. This allows surgeons to plan complex operations with greater precision. Advanced imaging techniques, including fetal echocardiography, are also enabling earlier and more accurate prenatal diagnosis.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
AI-powered tools are being developed to assist with the detection of heart defects during routine prenatal ultrasounds. Research published in 2025 explored how machine learning could help identify patterns in large-scale CHD data, potentially guiding treatment decisions and improving outcomes.
Genetic Research
Scientists are making progress in understanding the genetic roots of CHD. Studies published in journals like Human Genetics and Genomics Advances and The American Journal of Cardiology in 2025 have identified new gene variants linked to specific types of heart defects. As genetic knowledge grows, the hope is that some forms of CHD may eventually become preventable.
Frequently Asked Questions About CHD Awareness Week
When is CHD Awareness Week in 2026? CHD Awareness Week runs from Saturday, February 7 through Saturday, February 14, 2026.
What color represents CHD awareness? Red is the official color. Wearing red during the week is one of the simplest ways to show support.
Is CHD the most common birth defect? Yes. CHD is the most common type of birth defect worldwide, affecting approximately 1% of all live births.
Can CHD be cured? Many CHDs can be treated effectively with surgery and medication, but most are lifelong conditions that require ongoing monitoring. There is currently no cure for CHD as a whole.
How can I support someone with CHD? Learn about their condition. Offer emotional support. Help raise awareness during CHD Awareness Week. Donate to organizations that fund CHD research.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Heartbeat Counts
CHD Awareness Week is more than a date on the calendar. It is a call to pay attention — to the babies born every 26 seconds with a heart that is not quite right, to the adults navigating life with a condition they have carried since their first breath, and to the researchers and surgeons pushing the boundaries of what medicine can do.
In 2026, the message is clearer than ever. Early detection saves lives. Specialized care improves outcomes. Research funding drives progress. And awareness — simple, honest awareness — is where it all begins.
Whether you wear red, share a story, donate to research, or simply take a moment to learn what CHD means, your participation matters. Because behind every statistic is a heart, and behind every heart is a life worth fighting for.
