INTRODUCTION Dermatoglyphics is a scientific study of epidermal ridge configuration on palm, soles and fingertips valuable for medico legal and genetic investigations. Dermatoglyphics form in utero during early gestation and may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors operating at that time. Present investigation was undertaken to study alterations in dermatoglyphic patterns with special reference to various congenital heart diseases (CHD). The study involved 102 cases of CHD and 100 cases of normal individuals. It was observed that percent frequency of ulnar loops significantly increased in CHD group as compared to control group. Mean 'atd' angle was also increased in CHD group as compared to control group indicating distal displacement of palmar axial triradius (t). Thus, rise in frequency of ulnar loops and increase in 'atd' angle can be considered as one of the diagnostic criteria for CHD.