Congenital Heart Defect

A congenital heart defect is a defect in the structure of the heart and great vessels of a newborn. Most congenital heart defects either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it, or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern, although other defects affecting heart rhythm can also occur. Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Approximately 1 in 125 babies are born each year in the U.S. with a congenital heart defect.

A congenital heart defect causes abnormal heart structure, resulting in certain sounds called heart murmurs. Doctors can sometimes detect heart murmurs with a stethoscope; however, not all heart murmurs are caused by congenital heart defects.

It is very devastating for a mom to find out that her child may have a congenital heart defect. If she is lucky it will be diagnosed in utero, because a life-saving surgery can be planned before the baby’s birth. 

It is always extremely dangerous if a congenital heart defect is detected after birth, even a couple of days later. The longer it goes undetected the greater the risk of death. 

Luckily, today more and more doctors and hospitals than ever before test for congenital heart defects during pregnancy. This helps to save many unborn children. 

Want examples of outcomes of a congenital heart defect? Simply read Matters of the Heart to learn about many such outcomes.