The Most Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects in Children

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural abnormalities of the heart that develop before birth. Among all types of CHD, ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 50% of all diagnosed cases. In about 40% of these cases, VSD occurs alongside other cardiovascular anomalies, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

Atrial Septal Defect and Its Prevalence

Following VSD, atrial septal defect (ASD) ranks as the second most common congenital heart condition, representing about 5% to 10% of all CHD cases. ASD involves an abnormal opening in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart, which can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs and, over time, cause heart enlargement or heart failure if left untreated.

Other Significant Congenital Heart Conditions

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Another frequently observed defect is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which accounts for around 10% of all congenital heart diseases. PDA occurs when the blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and the aorta fails to close after birth, potentially leading to excessive blood flow to the lungs and symptoms such as fatigue and poor weight gain in infants.

Non-Cyanotic vs. Cyanotic Heart Defects

Non-cyanotic congenital heart defects are more common and typically involve obstructions or abnormal blood flow without causing a bluish tint to the skin. One of the most notable non-cyanotic conditions is pulmonary stenosis, where the pulmonary valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Cyanotic Heart Defects in Infants

In contrast, cyanotic heart defects often result in low oxygen levels in the blood, leading to a bluish skin tone known as cyanosis. The most common cyanotic defect is Tetralogy of Fallot, a combination of four heart abnormalities that can severely impact oxygen delivery throughout the body. Another serious cyanotic condition is transposition of the great arteries, in which the two main blood vessels leaving the heart are switched, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate through the body without being filtered through the lungs.

Understanding the most common types of congenital heart defects helps parents and medical professionals identify symptoms early and provide timely interventions. While some defects may close on their own over time, others require surgical correction or long-term management to ensure the best possible quality of life for affected children.