What is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) refers to a group of structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. These conditions affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. CHD is the most common birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in every 100 babies born in the United States.

The heart has four chambers—two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers)—that work together to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body and oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. When a baby is born with CHD, the structure of the heart may be different, which can disrupt this normal flow.

There are many different types of congenital heart defects, ranging from mild to complex. Some common types include:

• Septal defects: Holes in the walls that separate the heart chambers (such as atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect)
• Valve defects: Problems with the heart valves that control blood flow
• Obstructive defects: Narrowing of blood vessels or valves that restrict blood flow
• Cyanotic defects: Conditions that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, sometimes causing a bluish tint to the skin

Children and adults with CHD may require ongoing care from a cardiologist. With the right medical support, lifestyle adjustments, and monitoring, many individuals with CHD can thrive.

Congenital Heart Disease is often invisible, but its impact is lifelong. Raising awareness helps support early detection, fund research, and provide resources for families navigating a CHD diagnosis.

Every heart has a story. By understanding congenital heart disease, we can better support the millions of individuals and families affected by it.