Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a heart condition that a patient is born with, and affects 8/1000 live births making it the most common congenital birth defect. It can encompass abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart, as well as a wide array of structural heart problems. These problems can range from mild (never requiring cardiac surgery), to severe (requiring multiple different stages of open heart surgeries). CHD can involve abnormal or absent chambers, holes in the heart, abnormal connections in the heart, and abnormalities in the function or squeeze of the heart. Most congenital heart conditions affect patients from childhood through adulthood.
There are a number of patient and family organizations dedicated to raising awareness both nationally and locally. To become involved in these efforts or for more information, please visit the Web pages below.
Children's Heart Association