February 9, 2001

Not only is Feb. 14 a day to celebrate romantic matters of the heart, but it also has been designated as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. The MGH Pediatric Cardiology Department, along with the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, is joining with pediatric caregivers across the state to recognize the day by hosting an information table Feb. 14 in the Main Corridor.

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is considered to be one of the most common birth defects in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates that there are approximately one million Americans with congenital heart defects in the United States. More than 32,000 babies are born with CHD every year.

The MGH Pediatric Cardiology Department provides care for inpatients and outpatients with different types of cardiac disorders — ranging from minor murmurs and transient arrhythmias to complicated conditions, which require cardiac diagnostic or interventional catheterization or surgery.

For more information about the MGH Pediatric Cardiology Services, call 726-3826.