Background/aim Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital disorder in newborns (prevalence ranges from 6 to 13 per 1000 live births). Transversal study of the newborns diagnosed with CHD at Maternidade Júlio Dinis between 2012–2013.

Methods Patients were identified by searching the hospital’s electronic discharge records of the ICD-9 for each CHD (745.0–747.11). The following data were analysed: gender;gestational age;birth weight;pregnancy and delivery type; need of resuscitation;family history and maternal conditions that increase the risk for CHD; echocardiography reason and source of referral; clinical manifestations; paediatric cardiology agreement on the diagnosis; treatment and follow-up.

Results A total of 161 patients were documented, corresponding 24,8% to preterm newborns. The prevalence of echocardiographic findings was 26,8 per 1000 live births. At birth, resuscitation was needed in 20,5% patients. Cardiovascular findings suggestive of CHD were the reason to request echocardiogram in 75,8% cases and prenatal suspicion was responsible for 19,9%. Ventricular septal defect was the most prevalent (53,4%) CHD. Complex heart defects were found in 6,8% patients. A total of 101 patients were referred to paediatric cardiology and the concordance in diagnosis was around 99%. Surgical repair was performed in 5,6% patients. During this 2 years period, mortality related to CHD was 0,67 per 1000 infants (< 1 year age).

Conclusion This portuguese CHD study shows a high prevalence of these disorders. Congenital heart defects are common conditions that have significant impact on morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. A multidisciplinary team able to detect most of them in the neonatal period is crucial to minimise it.