Congenital Heart Disease Explained

Congenital heart disease, often abbreviated as CHD, refers to a range of heart abnormalities that develop during fetal growth. These conditions occur when certain factors disrupt the normal development of the heart, causing structural differences from a typical healthy heart. In most cases, these anomalies involve the formation of the heart or major blood vessels, or the failure of natural openings to close after birth. CHD is not a single illness but rather an umbrella term for over a hundred different heart-related conditions that develop before birth.

Types and Classifications of Congenital Heart Disease

One common way to classify congenital heart defects is by the presence or absence of cyanosis — a bluish tint to the skin caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to the categories of cyanotic and non-cyanotic heart disease. Additionally, these conditions can be grouped based on blood flow patterns: those with no shunting (normal blood flow), left-to-right shunting, or right-to-left shunting.

Examples of Common Congenital Heart Defects

Some of the most frequently diagnosed CHDs include pulmonary valve stenosis and aortic coarctation, which fall under the category of defects without shunting. Conditions like atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus are examples of left-to-right shunting. On the other hand, right-to-left shunting is seen in more complex cases such as Tetralogy of Fallot.

Symptoms and Prognosis

The severity of congenital heart disease can vary widely. Some individuals may live their entire lives without experiencing any noticeable symptoms, while others may face life-threatening complications shortly after birth. Severe cases can lead to symptoms such as oxygen deficiency, shock, and in extreme situations, early death. Infants with critical heart defects often require immediate medical attention and may need surgical intervention to improve their chances of survival and long-term health.