Congenital heart diseases are heart conditions that develop during pregnancy due to abnormalities in the development of the heart and blood vessels. While some of them can be treated with medication or monitoring after the baby is born, others require surgery or other invasive treatments to improve heart function and prevent dangerous complications. In all cases, they require ongoing monitoring at regular intervals by a Cardiologist.
Some of the most common congenital heart diseases are:
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): It is one of the most common congenital heart diseases and involves the presence of an opening in the septum that separates the two ventricles of the heart. As a result, blood can flow from the right ventricle to the left ventricle or vice versa, causing the heart to work harder and increased pressure in the lungs. The hole can sometimes close on its own as the child grows, but surgery may be needed.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): There are openings or abnormalities in the septum that separates the two atria of the heart. It can cause the heart to work harder or heart failure due to uncontrolled blood flow. In severe cases, surgery or catheterization is needed to close the hole.
Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, which prevents the normal flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can cause heart failure or problems with blood circulation. Treatment may include surgery or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI).
Pulmonary Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve that controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, resulting in increased pressure on the right side of the heart and lungs. May require percutaneous intervention to widen the pulmonary artery or surgical valve replacement.
Tetralogy of Fallot: The patient has four congenital abnormalities: Ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, abnormal position of the aorta (the aorta connects to the right ventricle), and right ventricular hypertrophy. Causes severe reduction in oxygen delivery to the blood, difficulty breathing, and decreased endurance. Treated with surgery to repair the abnormalities and improve blood circulation.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA): The aorta and pulmonary artery are in the opposite position, instead of the normal arrangement. This causes poor blood oxygenation and severe breathing difficulties. It often requires surgery to return the arteries to their correct position.
Mitral Valve Prolapse: An abnormality that causes the mitral valve to protrude into the left atrium of the heart. It can lead to blood flow disorders or mitral valve insufficiency. Often the condition is mild and can be monitored without treatment. In severe cases, it may require surgery.
Coarctation of the Aorta: The aorta, which is the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, is narrowed. It causes increased pressure in the aorta and upper limb vessels, while there may be reduced blood flow in the lower limbs. It usually requires surgery or catheter (percutaneous) intervention to correct the stenosis.
