Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) is frequently diagnosed antenatally or during the neonatal period. Early diagnosis of CHD improves outcome, particularly in cases where surgery is required[i]. We share three cases of CHD diagnosed in adolescents who presented to our outpatients’ department this year.

Discussion CHD affects 5.6 per 1000 live births in the United Kingdom[i]. CoA accounts for 5%–8% of all CHD while pulmonary valve stenosis makes up 8%–10%[ii]. Before their diagnoses, all of our cases presented on multiple occasions to health professionals but CHD had been missed. We have highlighted these patients to raise awareness among clinicians that CHD can present in older children and with non-specific complaints.

Conclusions Diagnosis of CHD later in childhood is difficult if not considered as a differential. Thorough examination, including blood pressure measurement, may have resulted in an earlier diagnosis in our patients. Earlier diagnosis is preferable, reduces mortality and improves surgical outcomes[iii].