Congenital heart defect

Congenital heart defect (CHD), also known as congenital heart anomaly or congenital heart disease, is a problem in the structure of the heart that is present at birth. Signs and symptoms depend on the specific type of problem. Symptoms can vary from none to life-threatening.

Types

There are many types of congenital heart defects. They can range from simple conditions that don't cause symptoms to complex types that cause severe, life-threatening problems. The types include atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Causes

The cause of a congenital heart defect is often unknown. Certain genes may play a role. Many conditions are thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include a family history of CHD, maternal diabetes, certain medications, alcohol use, and certain infections during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be difficult as signs and symptoms may not appear until many years after birth. A cardiac examination is performed by a healthcare provider, which may include listening to the heart with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds such as a heart murmur. Imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, a chest x-ray, or a MRI may be used. A cardiac catheterization can give a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of defect. Some may heal over time, others will need treatment. Treatments include medications, procedures using catheterization, surgery, and sometimes heart transplantation. In adults who have had a CHD, issues such as long term outcomes, pregnancy, heart failure, and the need for ongoing care must be addressed.

Epidemiology

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect. The number of people affected is estimated at 1% of all live births. In 2013 they were present in 34.3 million people globally. They resulted in 323,000 deaths down from 366,000 deaths in 1990.

See also

• Cardiology
• Pediatric cardiology
• Cardiac surgery
• Heart disease

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