Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are a group of abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can affect the structure of the heart, the way it functions, or both. They are the most common type of birth defect, and affect about 1% of all live births. Some examples of common congenital heart defects include:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (atria).

• Ventricular septal defect (VSD): A hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A persistent opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery that is present at birth.

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A combination of four heart defects that cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body.

• Pulmonary stenosis: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the blood vessels leading to the lungs, which can restrict blood flow and cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body.

• Transposition of the great arteries (TGA): A congenital defect in which the two main vessels carrying blood away from the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, are switched in position.

Some CHDs are mild and may not require treatment, but others are severe and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment for CHDs may include surgery, medication, or a combination of both. The specific treatment will depend on the type and severity of the defect. CHDs are caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and are not always preventable. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for children with CHDs.