5 Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects

There are cases where the heart or the vessels around it do not develop properly before birth. Congenital heart defects, conditions at birth, can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it functions. These defects can vary in severity, but early diagnosis and intervention can help manage congenital heart defects. Learn about common types of congenital heart defects.

What is Congenital Heart Defect?

A congenital heart defect is a congenital structural abnormality of the heart. It involves the heart’s walls, valves, or vessels, disrupting normal flow, says interventional cardiologist Dr. Abhijit Borse.

According to a 2020 study published in the journal Medicine, it is one of the most frequently diagnosed congenital disorders. It affects 0.8 percent to 1.2 percent of live births worldwide.

What are the common types of congenital heart defects?

Common types of congenital heart defects are atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD), tetralogy of Fallot and coarctation of the aorta.

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Each type of congenital heart defect has specific abnormalities in the structure of the heart, affecting its function and  flow. Here are some common types of congenital heart defects –

1. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

It’s a hole in the middle wall (septum) of the heart’s upper chambers (atria), the expert explains. Severity is mild to moderate. Many ASDs have no significant symptoms, but larger ones can lead to increased flow in the lungs.

2. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

This is the hole in the septum between the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Small VSDs may close on their own, while larger ones may lead to increased pressure in the lungs.

3. Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)

It is a combination of ASD and VSD that often involves abnormalities of the valves between the atria and ventricles. Sometimes, it is severe, requiring surgical correction.

4. Tetralogy of Fallot

It’s a combination of four heart defects, including VSD, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy, says Dr. Bors. In such cases, usually in childhood, surgical intervention is required to correct the defects.

5. Compression of the aorta

In this defect, there is a narrowing of the aorta, the main vessel that carries from the heart to the body. This can lead to high pressure and increased workload on the heart. Surgical correction is often necessary.

Regular medical monitoring and intervention are key to effectively managing these conditions.

What are the causes of congenital heart defects?

The exact causes of congenital heart defects are often not fully understood, but various factors may contribute:

• Inherited genetic abnormalities may play a role. If a parent has a congenital heart defect, their child may be at increased risk.
• Conditions such as Down syndrome are associated with a higher incidence of congenital heart defects.
• Exposure to certain substances such as medications, drugs, alcohol or infections such as rubella during pregnancy can increase the risk.
• Conditions that affect the mother, such as diabetes or obesity, contribute to the increased risk.
• Women who become pregnant at an older age have a slightly higher risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect.

It’s often a combination of these factors rather than a single cause, the expert says. Early prenatal care and genetic counseling can help identify potential risk factors and guide the management and understanding of congenital heart defects.

What is the treatment for congenital heart defects?

Treatment for congenital heart defects depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects can be managed with medications to control symptoms, improve heart function, or prevent complications. Many congenital heart defects require surgical intervention to correct structural abnormalities. Procedures may include closing holes in the heart, repairing or replacing valves, or widening narrowed vessels. Minimally invasive catheterization techniques are used to correct certain defects, such as closing holes or dilating narrowed vessels, without open-heart surgery. In severe cases where other treatments are insufficient, a heart transplant may be considered, Dr. Bors said.

Regular follow-up care is necessary to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any emerging problems. The goal is to optimize the child’s quality of life and cardiac function.