Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects almost 1% of all babies and every year 5,000 babies and their families in the UK will be affected.  Half of these babies will have major CHD and will require surgery or intervention in the first year of life.

Congenital heart disease can be difficult to detect after birth, and studies show that about half of babies with heart disease are sent home without a diagnosis.   If left untreated certain heart conditions can be fatal.

When babies with heart problems are diagnosed before birth health professionals can plan for their care effectively, supporting and preparing the parents and ensuring that the baby is born in the right conditions with immediate access to the specialist treatment they require. 

Unfortunately only 37% of babies with heart problems are currently detected before birth, meaning that over 3,000 babies are born each year into a potentially life-threatening and distressing situation.

Tiny Tickers is working to improve the way that congenital heart disease is detected, diagnosed and managed.