Question: What are 4 common congenital heart defects?
Answer: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting around 1 percent of all live births. The most common types of CHDs are atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries.
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the heart’s two upper chambers (atria). This hole allows oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right side. It can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations and usually requires medical intervention.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole between the heart’s two lower chambers (ventricles). This hole allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, just like an ASD, but the effects are more serious. It can cause an enlarged heart, heart murmur, and even congestive heart failure. Surgery is usually required to repair the defect.
Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four different heart defects. It consists of a VSD, an obstruction in the pulmonary valve that prevents blood from reaching the lungs, an aortic override, and right ventricular hypertrophy. This defect can cause cyanosis (blue skin), shortness of breath, and complications in physical activity. Surgery is usually required to repair the defect.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a defect in which the aorta and pulmonary arteries are reversed. This means oxygen-poor blood is pumped out to the rest of the body instead of oxygen-rich blood. This defect can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, cyanosis, and other complications. Surgery is usually required to correct the defect.
In conclusion, the four most common congenital heart defects are atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries (TGA). These heart defects can cause serious symptoms and require medical intervention to repair. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of these defects and seek medical help if you or your child is affected.