Introduction
These problems may occur alone or together.
The majority of congenital heart diseases occurs as an isolated defect and is not associated with other diseases.
However, they can also be a part of various genetic and chromosomal syndromes such as:
- Downs syndrome
- Trisomy13
- Turner's syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
- Noonan syndrome etc.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a broad term that can describe a number of different problems affecting the heart. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 35,000 babies are born each year with some type of congenital heart defect.
Congenital heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defects. Many of these defects need to be followed carefully. Some heal over time, others will require treatment.
Here are some statistics:
- It affects 6 to 8 per 1000 live births
- 90% of cases present within the first year
- Corrective surgery is generally required by 2 years
- There is an increasing population of survivors of corrective surgery
- Long term results of surgery are unknown
