Congenital heart defect

Congenital Heart Defect

Congenital heart defect (pronunciation: /kənˈjenɪtəl hɑːrt dɪˈfekt/) is a term used to describe a variety of structural problems of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can involve the interior walls of the heart, the valves inside the heart, and the arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or the body.

Etymology

The term "congenital" is derived from the Latin word "congenitus," which means "born with." The term "heart defect" refers to an abnormality in the structure of the heart.

Types of Congenital Heart Defects

There are many types of congenital heart defects, including:

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

Symptoms

Symptoms of a congenital heart defect can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects cause no signs or symptoms, while others cause signs and symptoms such as:

Rapid breathing
Fatigue
Poor blood circulation
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a congenital heart defect often involves a combination of tests, including:

Treatment

Treatment for a congenital heart defect depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects require no treatment, while others may require medications, procedures, or heart surgery.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital heart defect
Wikipedia's article - Congenital heart defect

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Congenital heart defect