Congenital heart defects or heart diseases afflict or are present in infants under the age of one year. These heart diseases are caused by problems or malformations in the structure and function of the heart and its vessels, resulting in mild to severe and even fatal symptoms. According to 2009 information released from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is the most common birth defect and affects approximately eight out of every 1000 infants every year. Causes include smoking and alcohol consumption during the pregnancy, nutrition deficiencies, viral infections and chromosomal or gene defects.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common type of heart disease in infants and involves four types of defects in the heart walls and vessels, as described by the University of Maryland Medical Center. In this disease, the right heart wall is thickened while the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the right heart chamber to the lungs is narrowed, hindering blood flow. A hole between the right and left heart chambers called a ventricular septal defect is also present, causing deoxygenated blood to be sent back to the body's circulation. Infants with tetralogy of Fallot may appear normal at birth, but become cyanosed (blue) when crying or feeding.
Ventricular Septal Defect
Ventricular septal defects involve a hole in the wall between the right and left heart chambers. Symptoms depend on the size of the hole, and babies with a smaller hole usually appear normal, and the hole may seal on its own. The MayoClinic.com explains that babies with a larger hole at birth may show signs of failure to thrive, have a very fast heart rate, difficulty breathing, fatigue and bluish discoloration of the lips and fingers.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus, as described by the National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute, involves a defect of the ductus arteriosus. In developing fetuses, the ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch of the heart to allow blood to bypass the heart. In newborn infants, this shunt normally is sealed a few minutes to a few weeks after birth so that blood can be pumped to the lungs for oxygen. But in this congenital disease it remains open, causing insufficient blood flow to the lungs, and reduced oxygen in the body.
