PURPOSE--To assess quality of life in patients submitted to surgical treatment of congenital heart disease in infancy. Quality of life has been assessed over social sciences backgrounds, but we have focused on the patient self-perception of their disease and related problems too. METHODS--We studied 134 adolescents, age ranged from 12 to 19 year-old, of both sexes, with any congenital heart disease, submitted to surgical treatment in infancy. They answered a questionnaire that covered their clinical, social, emotional, education and professional status. RESULTS--Ninety one percent qualified their lives as good because were symptom-free and living well without and physical restriction. CONCLUSION--The school performance was similar to the overall population engaged in Brazilian public schools. Their feelings, social relations and future plans were equal to the normal adolescents