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Congenital Heart Disease

A congenital heart defect (CHD) refers to abnormalities in the heart's structure that are present at birth. It occurs when the heart or blood vessels don't develop correctly in the womb, often due to a crucial step in the heart's development not happening at the right time. CHD's are the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting 1 in 110 babies each year. Nearly 40,000 babies are born each year in the U.S with a CHD, and 25% of children born with a CHD will need some sort of heartsurgery or other interventions to survive.

Some common types of CHD's include:

Septal defects: A hole between two of the heart's chambers, also known as a "hole in the heart"
Coarctation of the aorta: The main artery of the body is narrower than normal
Pulmonary valve stenosis: The valve that controls blood flow from the lower right chamber of the heart to the lungs is narrower than normal
Single ventricle defects: Only one of the heart's pumping chambers develops properly

Looking For More Information?

Below are some great websites with more information about CHD's.

Mended Hearts is a non-profit organization that has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Research is an integral part of the overall Nationwide Children's mission, which has guided Nationwide Children's into a position as one of America’s finest healthcare facilities for children.

Since 1903, the University of Michigan has led the way in providing comprehensive, specialized health care for children. Our mission is to integrate clinical care, education, research and advocacy to advance the health status of children, women, and their families and communities statewide.

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