The 7 critical congenital heart defects are a group of congenital heart defects that are considered to be the most serious. These defects cause severe problems with the heart’s structure and function, and can be life-threatening if not treated.
The most common of these defects is a ventricular septal defect (VSD). This is a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart. It allows blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right side, which can lead to lung and heart damage. Other defects in this group include atrial septal defect (ASD), pulmonary atresia, aortic coarctation, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and tricuspid atresia.
VSDs and ASDs are the most common of the 7 critical congenital heart defects, and both involve holes in the walls that separate the heart’s chambers. VSDs can cause the heart to work harder, as well as lead to problems with the lungs and kidneys. ASDs can cause a certain amount of oxygen-rich blood to flow back into the lungs, leading to a decrease in oxygen to the body’s other organs.
Pulmonary atresia is a defect in which the pulmonary valve fails to form properly, leading to a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the lungs. Aortic coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four different defects that cause a reduction in the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the body. Transposition of the great arteries is a defect in which the two main arteries of the heart are switched. Lastly, tricuspid atresia is a defect in which the tricuspid valve fails to form, preventing blood from flowing between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
These 7 critical congenital heart defects can be detected before or shortly after birth through a physical exam or an imaging test, such as an echocardiogram. Treatment for these defects can involve medications, surgery, or a combination of both. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving long-term outcomes.