| − | A '''congenital heart defect''' is a problem with the structure of the [[heart]]. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major [[birth defect]]. | + | A '''congenital heart defect''' is a [[problem]] with the [[anatomical structure]] of the [[heart]]. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major [[birth defect]]. |
| − | A baby's heart begins to develop shortly after [[conception]]. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls and [[valve]]s of the heart, as well as the arteries and veins near the heart. Congenital heart defects can disrupt the normal flow of [[blood]] through the heart. The blood flow can: | + | A [[baby]]'s heart begins to [[development|develop]] shortly after [[conception]]. During development, [[structural defect]]s can occur. These defects can involve the [[wall]]s and [[valve]]s of the heart, as well as the [[arteries]] and [[veins]] near the heart. Congenital heart defects can disrupt the normal flow of [[blood]] through the heart. The blood flow can: |
| − | Treatment for the defect can include [[medicine]]s, [[surgery]], [[heart transplant]]s, and other medical procedures. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect and a child's age, size and general health. Today, many children born with complex heart defects grow to adulthood and lead productive lives.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/congenitalheartdefects.html</ref> | + | [[Treatment]] for the defect can include [[medicine]]s, [[surgery]], [[heart transplant]]s, and other [[medical procedure]]s. The treatment depends on the [[type]] and [[severity]] of the defect and a child's [[age]], [[size]] and [[general health]]. Today, many children born with complex heart defects grow to [[adulthood]] and lead productive lives.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/congenitalheartdefects.html</ref> |