Congenital Heart Disease Explained

When a baby is born with a heart condition, it is referred to as congenital heart disease. This term encompasses a range of heart-related issues that are present at birth. One common cause is related to events during pregnancy, such as a mother experiencing an illness like the flu or taking certain medications that may interfere with the baby's heart development.

Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects

Some of the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart conditions include atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot. These defects affect the structure of the heart and can disrupt normal blood flow within the heart or to the rest of the body.

Heart Development in Infants

In most cases, a child's heart will fully develop by the time they reach one year of age, and rarely beyond three years. However, if certain developmental milestones are not met, such as the closure of the ductus arteriosus or the foramen ovale, it may indicate an ongoing congenital issue.

Why Early Development Matters

It is crucial for the heart to mature properly within the first few years of life. If key structures fail to develop or close correctly during this window, it can lead to long-term complications. These developmental delays or abnormalities are also categorized under congenital heart disease, even if symptoms appear later.