Congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defect (CHD) may be defined as an anatomic malformation of the heart or great vessels which occurs during intrauterine development, irrespective of the age at presentation. Ventricular septal defect and coarctation of the aorta are typical examples of congenital heart defects.

They are the most common congenital birth defects affecting 1–2% of all live births globally with an estimated incidence of 8–10/1000 live births.

Congenital heart defects are serious and common conditions that have significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in children and adults.

Risk factors contribute to congenital heart defects including:
*Genetic or environmental
*Rubella infection, drugs, heavy drinking during pregnancy
* Women who both have a high BMI
* Gestational diabetes mellitus

Congenital heart defects may be classified into acyanotic (obstructive and left-to right shunt lesions) and cyanotic depending upon whether the patients clinically exhibit cyanosis.

In cyanotic congenital heart defects systemic venous blood bypasses the pulmonary circulation and gets shunted across into the left side of the heart.
Congenital heart defects