Congenital Heart Disease Overview
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a general term for any type of heart defect that is present at birth. It is one of the most common types of birth defects and affects approximately 8 out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States.
CHD can range from mild to severe and can affect any part of the heart or the blood vessels connected to the heart. The most common types of CHD are atrial and ventricular septal defects (ASD and VSD). Other types of CHD include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA).
How Long Can You Live with CHD?
The prognosis for people with CHD depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some people with mild forms of CHD may live a normal life span with no health complications. Others with more severe forms of CHD may require lifelong treatment and care.
In general, the earlier the CHD is diagnosed, the better the outcome is likely to be. Treatment for CHD can range from medications to open-heart surgery. In some cases, a heart transplant may be necessary.
The most important thing to remember is that CHD is a lifelong condition and the severity of the condition can vary. It is important to work closely with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan that helps you manage your condition. With the right treatment and care, people with CHD can live long, healthy lives.