Congenital heart defects: diversity and challenges

Congenital heart defects are a group of heart diseases that develop before birth.These are diverse and often complicated diseases that affect the structure and function of the heart.In this article, we will discuss the different types of congenital heart defects, their symptoms and treatment options.

Narrowing of the aortic isthmus (coarctation of the aorta)

Aortic isthmus stenosis is a defect involving the narrowing of the main artery leaving the left ventricle of the heart – the aorta.This may lead to reduced blood flow to various parts of the body, which may result in, for example, headaches or kidney disorders.

Aortic stenosis

Another type of aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve itself.In this congenital heart defect, this valve is usually smaller or more compact than it should be, making it difficult for blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Pulmonary artery valve stenosis

A narrowing of the pulmonary artery valve limits blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.This can lead to low blood oxygenation and shortness of breath in patients.

Mitral/mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation

The mitral and bicuspid valves regulate blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart.If they are narrowed or do not function properly, they can cause problems with blood circulation.

A three-lobed heart

A trilobed heart is a rare heart defect in which the heart has only three valves instead of four.This is a condition that requires specialized treatment.

Patent ductus arteriosus (botalla)

Patent ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that normally closes in newborns but may remain open in some cases.This can lead to abnormal blood circulation.

Aortopulmonary window

An aortopulmonary window is a defect that involves the presence of a hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.This can lead to blood moving between these two vessels.

Atrial septal defect

An atrial septal defect is a defect in which there is a hole between the atria of the heart.This can lead to blood mixing between the left and right atrium.

Partial abnormal drainage of pulmonary veins

This heart defect involves the pulmonary veins connecting to the right atrium in an abnormal way.This may affect blood circulation and body oxygenation.

Ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect is a defect in which there is an opening between the chambers of the heart.This can lead to blood mixing between the left and right ventricles.

Eisenmenger syndrome

Eisenmenger syndrome is a complication of untreated heart defects in which blood flow is reversed and blood oxygenation in the body is reduced.

Atrioventricular canal

Atrioventricular canal is a heart defect in which there is an abnormal connection between the atrium and the ventricles of the heart.This may affect blood circulation.

Coronary artery defects

Coronary artery defects can affect blood supply to the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Vascular rings

Vascular rings are abnormally shaped blood vessels that can lead to problems with blood circulation.

Tetralogy of fallota

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex heart defect that involves four different structural problems that affect heart function and blood circulation.

Congenital absent pulmonary valve syndrome

Congenital pulmonary valve syndrome is a rare defect in which the valve is missing, leading to specific blood circulation.

Atresia of the pulmonary valve with a continuous interventricular septum

In this congenital heart defect, the pulmonary valve does not develop properly and there is an interventricular septum.This affects blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

Complete abnormal connection of the pulmonary veins

This defect involves the incorrect connection of the pulmonary veins, which can lead to problems with blood supply to the lungs.

Disruption of the aortic arch

Aortic arch disruption is a defect in which the aorta breaks, leading to impaired blood circulation.

Common arterial trunk

Common arterial trunk is a defect in which the aorta and pulmonary artery arise from one common vessel.This can lead to problems with blood circulation.

Relocation of large vessels

Transposition of the great vessels is a defect in which the pulmonary artery and aorta are reversed, making blood circulation difficult.

Double-outlet right ventricle

A double-outlet right ventricle is a defect in which the right atrium is connected to two chambers of the heart, leading to abnormal blood circulation.

Single-chamber heart

A univentricular heart is a defect in which the heart has only one chamber, affecting its ability to pump blood.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a defect in which the left atria and ventricles are underdeveloped, significantly limiting the heart’s ability to function.

Hypoplastic right heart syndrome

Hypoplastic right heart syndrome is a defect in which the right atria and ventricles are underdeveloped, affecting blood circulation.

Congenital heart defects are very diverse and require a specialized approach to diagnosis and treatment.Many of these defects can be detected already during prenatal tests, which allows for earlier intervention and better prognosis for patients.Treatment for congenital heart defects may include drug therapy, surgery, or even a heart transplant, depending on the type and severity of the defect.

It is worth emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects are crucial to ensuring patients have the highest possible quality of life and a chance for full development.Therefore, regular prenatal tests and close cooperation with the medical team are extremely important for patients with this type of diseases.

It is also worth noting that each congenital heart defect is unique and requires an individual approach to diagnosis and therapy.Thanks to advances in heart medicine and surgery, many patients with congenital heart defects manage to lead healthy and full lives.