Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)

Heart defects that are present at birth

Most children are born with a healthy heart. But in some children, the heart doesn't develop properly before birth. This creates a congenital heart defect (CHD). According to the American Heart Association, about 36,000 children--about 9 in every 1,000--are born with a heart defect each year. There are at least 35 different types of heart defects. All are rare, but some are more well-known than others.

Coarctation of the Aorta

In coarctation of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body (the aorta) has a section that is narrowed. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood out through the aorta and to the body.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

In HLHS, the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. This means that the heart can't function normally. A child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome will need several open-heart surgeries to live a healthy life.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

In patent ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel needed in utero but no longer needed after birth stays open (patent) instead of closing after the baby is born. It occurs more often in premature babies. It can be repaired through an outpatient procedure or a simple surgery.

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex group of 4 heart defects that interfere with the heart's ability to pump oxygenated blood out to the body. It occurs in about 5 of every 10,000 babies. A baby with tetralogy of Fallot will need open-heart surgery to repair the defects.

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

In transposition of the great arteries, the position of the two main blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, the aorta and pulmonary artery, are switched. TGA occurs in about 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 births.