Difference between revisions of "Congenital heart defect"
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| − | 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 | + | 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: |
* Slow down | * Slow down | ||
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* Be blocked completely | * Be blocked completely | ||
| − | Treatment for the defect can include [[medicine]]s, [[surgery]], [[heart transplant]]s, and other medical | + | [[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> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:28, November 20, 2007
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 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]