Congenital heart disease is a broad term used to describe various conditions present at birth that affect the structure and functioning of the heart. The five main types of congenital heart disease are:
1. Septal Defects: This is a group of conditions in which there is a hole or defect in the wall that divides the right and left sides of the heart. This can lead to abnormal blood flow between the two sides of the heart. Examples of septal defects include atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD).
2. Obstructive Defects: This group of conditions involves blockages in the heart that restrict blood flow from one area to another. Examples include aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta.
3. Valve Abnormalities: This group of conditions involves defects of the heart valves, which are the structures that regulate blood flow between the different chambers of the heart. Examples of valve abnormalities include mitral valve prolapse, aortic valve stenosis, and tricuspid valve insufficiency.
4. Cyanotic Heart Disease: This group of conditions involves abnormal blood flow that results in oxygen-poor (“blue”) blood being circulated throughout the body. Examples of cyanotic heart disease include transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, and tricuspid atresia.
5. Cardiomyopathies: This is a group of conditions that involve diseases of the heart muscle. Examples include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Congenital heart disease can range from mild to severe and can be treated with medications, surgery, or both. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease and to seek medical attention if any are present. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome for those affected.