Difference between revisions of "Congenital heart defect"
(New page: A '''congenital heart defect''' is a problem with the structure of the heart. It is present at birth. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect. A baby's hea...) |
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| − | A '''congenital heart defect''' is a problem with the structure of the heart | + | 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 baby's heart begins to develop shortly after conception. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, | + | 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: |
* Slow down | * Slow down | ||
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* Be blocked completely | * Be blocked completely | ||
| − | Treatment for the defect can include | + | 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> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
Revision as of 17:20, August 7, 2007
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 baby's heart begins to develop shortly after conception. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls and valves 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:
- Slow down
- Go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place
- Be blocked completely
Treatment for the defect can include medicines, surgery, heart transplants, 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.[1]