What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can involve the heart wall, heart valves or blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow, said Dr Abhijit Borse, senior interventional cardiologist at the Asian Heart Institute Mumbai.
Common types of congenital heart defects include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), and coarctation of the aorta.
Each type of congenital heart defect involves specific abnormalities in the structure of the heart that affect its function and blood flow. Here are some common types of congenital heart defects:
Atrial septal defect (ASD)
Atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart. In some cases, ASD does not cause significant symptoms, but in more severe cases, it can lead to increased blood flow in the lungs.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
This is a hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). Small VSDs may close on their own, while larger VSDs can lead to increased pressure in the lungs.
Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
This is a combination of ASD and VSD, usually involving an abnormality of the valve between the atria and ventricles. In some severe cases, an atrioventricular septal defect may require surgery to correct.
Aortic coarctation
Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. This can lead to high blood pressure and increased strain on the heart, and most babies with this condition need surgery to correct it.
Regular medical monitoring and intervention are important for effective control of these conditions.
