Congenital heart diseases refer to a group of structural abnormalities that affect the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels, present from birth. These disorders occur during the early stages of fetal development, often due to genetic or environmental factors, although the exact causes are not always known.
The term "congenital" implies that the conditions are present at birth, distinguishing them from acquired heart diseases that develop later in life. Various types of congenital heart diseases exist, characterized by different structural defects within the heart chambers, valves, or major blood vessels connected to the heart. Examples include ventricular septal defects (holes in the wall between the heart's pumping chambers), tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of four heart defects), transposition of the great arteries (misalignment of the two major blood vessels leaving the heart), and atrial septal defects (holes in the wall between the heart's upper chambers).
Congenital heart diseases can range from minor conditions that may not require medical intervention to severe defects that may cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific abnormalities and may include cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and poor growth and weight gain. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination, medical imaging techniques such as echocardiography, and sometimes genetic testing.
Treatment options for congenital heart diseases depend on the severity and type of defect. They can include medication, catheter-based procedures, surgeries, or a combination of these approaches. Advances in medical technology and surgical techniques have significantly improved the prognosis for infants born with these conditions, enhancing their quality of life and increasing life expectancy. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are usually necessary to ensure optimal heart function throughout a person's life.
