Coping and support

If you or your child has mild Ebstein anomaly, here's what you can do to manage symptoms and improve comfort.

• Follow up on medical care. See a cardiologist experienced in treating congenital heart disease for regular checkups. Report new or worsening signs or symptoms to the doctor. Timely treatment can keep the condition from worsening.
• Take medications as prescribed. Taking the right dose at the right time can help ease symptoms such as racing heartbeats, fatigue and shortness of breath.
• Stay active. Be as physically active as your or your child's doctor allows. Exercise can help strengthen the heart and improve blood flow. Encourage playtime with breaks as needed. Ask the doctor for a note you can give to your child's teachers or caregivers describing activity restrictions.
• Create a support network. Although many people with congenital heart defects lead normal, healthy lives, living with a heart defect can be challenging if you or your child needs specialized care. A serious health condition can create a physical, emotional and financial strain. Having family and friends you can rely on is critical. Some people find that support groups are a helpful source of information, comfort and friendship.