Developmental heart disease, more accurately known as congenital heart defects (CHDs), refers to heart structure problems present at birth. These defects arise when the baby's heart doesn't develop correctly during pregnancy. CHDs are the most common type of birth defect.
Understanding Congenital Heart Defects
What Causes CHDs?
- Developmental Issues: CHDs occur due to problems during heart formation in the womb.
- Timing: These structural issues arise during early pregnancy.
- Genetic and Environmental Factors: Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the risk of developing CHDs.
Common Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Timing | Present at birth. |
| Location | Structural problems within the heart. |
| Causes | Occur due to heart malformation during fetal development. |
| Prevalence | Most common birth defect. |
Types of Congenital Heart Defects
While the reference only describes the general nature of CHDs, there are many specific types. Here are a few examples (not included in the reference):
- Holes in the Heart: Such as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Valve Problems: Including stenosis (narrowing) or atresia (failure to open)
- Blood Vessel Issues: Affecting how blood flows to and from the heart.
Impact of CHDs
- Variable Severity: CHDs can range from mild to life-threatening.
- Need for Intervention: Treatment can vary from medication, to surgery and catheter-based procedures.
- Long-Term Care: Some individuals with CHDs require ongoing medical care.
In summary, developmental heart disease, or congenital heart defect, is a condition where the heart doesn't form normally during pregnancy, leading to structural problems at birth. This is the most common type of birth defect.
