According to the American Heart Association, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common types of birth defects, affecting approximately 1% of newborns, or 1 out of every 100 babies born.

CHDs are structural abnormalities present at birth that affect the heart’s normal function. This often results in inadequate blood flow throughout the body, which can cause a range of health problems.

Causes of Congenital Heart Defects

The cause of CHDs is largely unknown, but several factors are thought to increase the risk of a baby being born with a heart defect. Genetics, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions can all play a role in the development of CHDs.

Some of the potential risk factors include:.

Family history of congenital heart defects
Maternal diabetes
Maternal viral infection during pregnancy
Mother’s exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy

Types of Congenital Heart Defects

There are various types of CHDs, classified by their location, severity, and impact on normal heart function. Some common examples of CHDs include:.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) – a hole in the wall that separates the upper chambers of the heart
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – a hole in the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart
Tetralogy of Fallot – a combination of four heart defects that affect blood flow
Coarctation of the aorta – a narrowing of the aorta, which can affect blood flow to the rest of the body

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects

The symptoms of CHDs can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some babies with CHDs will show no signs of a problem, while others may experience a range of symptoms, such as:.

Poor feeding or breathing problems
Bluish tint to lips, skin, or nails (cyanosis)
Rapid heartbeat or breathing
Fatigue or excessive sleepiness
Fainting or dizziness

Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defects

Most CHDs are diagnosed shortly after birth or during infancy, using a combination of physical exams, medical history reviews, and diagnostic tests. Some standard tests used to diagnose CHDs include:.

Echocardiogram
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Cardiac MRI or CT scan

Treatment of Congenital Heart Defects

The treatment for CHDs depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some mild CHDs may not require any treatment other than regular monitoring and routine check-ups.

However, more severe defects may require surgical intervention or other medical procedures to correct the problem. Some common treatments for CHDs include:.

Medications to manage symptoms or improve heart function
Catheter-based treatments, such as balloon angioplasty or cardiac ablation
Surgery to repair or replace affected heart structures
Heart transplant for severe, life-threatening conditions

Prognosis for Children with Congenital Heart Defects

The outlook for children with CHDs depends on the type and severity of the defect, as well as the age at which it is diagnosed and treated. In general, many children with CHDs go on to lead normal, healthy lives with the right treatment and support.

However, some may experience ongoing health issues or require ongoing medical care throughout their lives.

Prevention of Congenital Heart Defects

While the cause of CHDs is unknown in most cases, there are some things that expectant mothers can do to reduce the risk of their baby being born with a heart defect. Some tips to promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of CHDs include:.

Getting regular prenatal care and following all medical advice and instructions
Avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications during pregnancy
Managing any medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure before and during pregnancy
Talking to a healthcare provider about any potential risk factors or concerns

Support for Families of Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Having a child diagnosed with a CHD can be overwhelming and challenging for families. However, there are many resources available to help families navigate the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of their child.

Some resources for families of children with CHDs include:.