Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can affect the walls, valves, or blood vessels of the heart and can cause problems with blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. Congenital heart defects vary in severity, from minor issues that may not require treatment to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Some congenital heart defects may be detected during pregnancy through prenatal screening, while others may not be diagnosed until after birth or later in life. Treatment for congenital heart defects depends on the type and severity of the defect and may include medications, surgery, or other interventions.