A congenital heart defect, also known as a congenital heart anomaly or congenital heart disease, is a structural abnormality or malfunctioning of the heart that is present at birth. It refers to any anatomical or functional abnormality affecting the heart or its major blood vessels, resulting in impaired blood flow throughout the body. These defects occur due to errors in the heart's development during fetal development.
Congenital heart defects can range from mild to severe, and may involve different parts of the heart, such as the heart valves, walls, or blood vessels. Some common types include ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries.
Symptoms and severity of congenital heart defects vary widely depending on the type and extent of the abnormality. Some defects may cause no noticeable symptoms, while others can lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, poor feeding, cyanosis (bluish skin color), excessive sweating, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Diagnosis of congenital heart defects usually occurs soon after birth or during pregnancy when routine tests like echocardiograms, ultrasounds, or fetal heart monitoring are conducted. Treatment options may include medication, catheter-based procedures to repair the heart, or open-heart surgery. The specific treatment plan depends on the type and severity of the defect.
Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in managing congenital heart defects, allowing affected individuals to lead relatively normal lives through regular monitoring, medical intervention, and lifestyle adjustments.
