Sweden Sees Major Drop in Child Deaths from Congenital Heart Defects Thanks to Early Detection and Specialized Care

Sweden has witnessed a significant decrease in mortality among children under five with congenital heart defects, highlighting the impact of early diagnosis and centralized specialized treatment. Each year, about 2,000 children in Sweden are born with some form of heart malformation, ranging from mild to severe. Approximately 10% require urgent intervention immediately after birth due to the severity of the condition.

According to data from Hjärt-Lungfonden and Socialstyrelsen, the number of young children dying from congenital heart defects fell dramatically from 39 in 2000 to only seven in 2024. This remarkable improvement is largely attributed to more than half of all cases being detected prenatally through ultrasound screenings. Early identification allows medical teams to prepare for immediate diagnosis and treatment right at birth, significantly increasing survival chances.

Furthermore, Sweden has centralized complex pediatric heart surgeries at two specialized centers located in Lund and Gothenburg. This concentration of expertise has enhanced treatment quality and outcomes.

Currently, about 40,000 children and young people in Sweden live with congenital heart defects, and the survival rate into adulthood has soared from 85% in 1980 to 97% today. Despite this success, adults with congenital heart defects remain at greater risk for early onset cardiovascular diseases, underscoring a need for continued research in this field.

Common congenital heart defects include atrial and ventricular septal defects, with symptoms such as heart murmurs, cyanosis, labored breathing, and fatigue.

Kristina Sparreljung, Secretary General of Hjärt-Lungfonden, emphasized, “Early detection during pregnancy is crucial—it enables us to be prepared for immediate care after birth, which is essential to saving lives.” This progress marks a major step forward for pediatric cardiac care in Sweden, offering hope to families and healthcare providers alike.