Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural or functional abnormalities in the heart that develop before birth. These conditions arise due to abnormal fetal development of the heart and its major blood vessels, leading to a range of anomalies in the heart's structure and function. CHD is the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 live births. The spectrum of congenital heart diseases is broad, encompassing conditions such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and complex anomalies like transposition of the great arteries. While some cases may be asymptomatic or require minimal intervention, others can be severe and necessitate surgical correction or lifelong medical management. Advances in medical imaging, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, have significantly improved the early detection and characterization of congenital heart diseases, allowing for better-informed treatment decisions and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with CHD.