Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease (pronunciation: /kənˈjenɪtəl hɑːrt diˈziːz/) is a term used to describe a variety of heart conditions that are present at birth. These conditions can affect the heart's structure, the way it works, or both.
Etymology
The term "congenital" comes from the Latin word "congenitus," which means "born with." "Heart disease" refers to conditions that affect the heart's structure or function.
Types of Congenital Heart Disease
There are many types of congenital heart diseases, including:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Coarctation of the aorta (CoA)
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
Symptoms
Symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary greatly depending on the specific type of condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Cyanosis (bluish color of the skin, lips, and fingernails)
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
- Heart murmur (an abnormal heart sound)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of congenital heart disease often involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and medical imaging tests such as echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, or cardiac catheterization.
Treatment
Treatment for congenital heart disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. It may include medications, cardiac surgery, or cardiac catheterization procedures.
Related Terms
- Cardiology - the study of heart and its diseases
- Pediatric cardiology - the study of heart diseases in children
- Cardiac surgery - surgery on the heart or great vessels
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital heart disease
- Wikipedia's article - Congenital heart disease
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