What are the Top 3 Congenital Heart Diseases?

Most Common Congenital Heart Diseases: Symptoms & Treatments

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural heart abnormalities that are present at birth, making them the most common type of birth defect worldwide. These conditions can vary significantly in severity, from mild issues to life-threatening situations, often necessitating medical or surgical treatment early in life. Among the various types of CHDs, three are particularly notable for being the most common and clinically significant.

3 Key Congenital Heart Diseases Prominent Worldwide

The three main categories of CHD that require medical attention are as follows:

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

The most common congenital heart defect, VSD, involves a septal hole separating the ventricles, the heart's lower chambers. This allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix. It reduces heart efficiency and potentially increases blood flow to the lungs.

Symptoms can include rapid breathing, trouble feeding, failure to thrive, and, in more severe cases, heart failure.

While many small VSDs close on their own, larger ones may need surgical intervention to avoid complications like pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.

2. Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)

Characterised by low blood oxygen and cyanosis (bluish skin), Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common complex cyanotic congenital heart disease.

It comprises four heart defects:

• Pulmonary valve stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve)
• Large ventricular septal defect (VSD)
• The overriding aorta (the aorta sits over both ventricles)
• Right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the right ventricular muscle)
   

Babies with ToF frequently show signs of cyanosis, have difficulty feeding, and struggle with growth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary within the first year of life, but most children go on to lead healthy lives after surgery.

3. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Another common congenital heart defect, ASD, involves a hole in the septum between the heart's atria. This anomaly enables oxygenated blood to move from the left atrium to the right atrium, forcing the right part of the heart and lungs to process an excessive blood volume.

While many ASDs are small and do not cause symptoms, larger defects can lead to issues like shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations later in life. Treatment options may include monitoring, medication, or closure through catheter-based procedures or surgery, depending on the size of the defect and the symptoms presented.

Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Heart Diseases

Here are the common signs and symptoms of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), presented in a logical flow from infancy to later stages:

• Rapid Breathing or Shortness of Breath– Especially noticeable during feeding or physical activity in infants and children.
• Poor Feeding and Weight Gain– Babies may tire easily while feeding and fail to gain weight as expected.
• Cyanosis (bluish tint to skin, lips, or nails)– Caused by low oxygen levels in the blood due to heart defects affecting circulation.
• Heart Murmur– An abnormal heart sound that may be the first clue during routine check-ups.
• Frequent Respiratory Infections– Children with CHDs may have recurrent lung infections due to fluid buildup or poor circulation.
• Fatigue or Weakness– Older children and adults may experience tiredness with minimal effort.
• Swelling (oedema)– In the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes, often a sign of poor heart function.
   

Early identification and treatment of these leading congenital heart diseases are vital for better survival chances and quality of life.