Congenital Heart Defect Types

Congenital Heart Defect Types

There are many types of congenital heart defectscongenital heart defects. If the defect lowers the amount of oxygen in the body, it is called cyanotic. If the defect doesn't affect oxygen in the body, it is called acyanotic.

What are cyanotic heart defects?

Cyanotic heart defects are defects that allow oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood to mix.

In cyanotic heart defects, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the tissues of the body. This results in the development of a bluish tint (cyanosis) to the skin, lips, and nail beds.

Cyanotic heart defects include:

• Tetralogy of FallotTetralogy of Fallot.
• Transposition of the great vesselsTransposition of the great vessels.
• Pulmonary atresiaPulmonary atresia.
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous returnTotal anomalous pulmonary venous return.
• Truncus arteriosusTruncus arteriosus.
• Hypoplastic left heart syndromeHypoplastic left heart syndrome.
• Tricuspid valve abnormalitiesTricuspid valve abnormalities.

What are acyanotic heart defects?

Congenital heart defects that don't normally interfere with the amount of oxygen or blood that reaches the tissues of the body are called acyanotic heart defects. A bluish tint of the skin isn't common in babies with acyanotic heart defects, although it may occur. If a bluish tint occurs, it often is during activities when the baby needs more oxygen, such as when crying and feeding.

Acyanotic congenital heart defects include:

• Ventricular septal defect (VSD)Ventricular septal defect (VSD).
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)Atrial septal defect (ASD).
• Atrioventricular septal defectAtrioventricular septal defect.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
• Pulmonary valve stenosisPulmonary valve stenosis.
• Aortic valve stenosisAortic valve stenosis.
• Coarctation of the aortaCoarctation of the aorta.

What are not considered defects?

A small hole in the heart, called a patent foramen ovalepatent foramen ovale, is not considered a heart defect. It happens in many healthy people. But typically it doesn't need treatment.