Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease (kən-jen-i-təl hɑːrt di-zēz) is a term used to describe a variety of heart conditions that are present at birth. These conditions can affect the heart's structure, the way it works, or both.
Etymology
The term "congenital" comes from the Latin congenitus, which means "born with". "Heart disease" refers to any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function properly.
Types of Congenital Heart Disease
There are many different types of congenital heart disease, including:
- Atrial Septal Defect (Atrial septal defect): A hole in the wall between the heart's upper chambers (atria).
- Ventricular Septal Defect (Ventricular septal defect): A hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers (ventricles).
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Patent ductus arteriosus): A persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart.
- Tetralogy of Fallot (Tetralogy of Fallot): A combination of four congenital abnormalities.
- Coarctation of the Aorta (Coarctation of the aorta): A narrowing of the large blood vessel that leads from the heart.
Symptoms
Symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary greatly depending on the specific type of condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue
- Poor blood circulation
- Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of congenital heart disease often involves a variety of tests, including echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and cardiac catheterizations. Treatment can involve medication, procedures to repair heart defects, or heart surgery.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital Heart Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Congenital Heart Disease
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