7. Congenital Heart Defects: Problems Present at Birth
Venturing further into the causes of CHF, we turn our attention to congenital heart defects. These abnormalities in the structure of the heart are present at birth, and while some are minor and cause no noticeable disruption, others can be more serious and set the stage for CHF down the line.
There are many types of congenital heart defects, each with its unique impact on heart function. For instance, consider a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in the wall that separates the heart’s lower chambers. This condition allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, which means the heart must work harder to supply the necessary oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Over time, the extra effort can lead to enlargement and weakening of the heart, a familiar story when discussing CHF. Other defects like coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the major artery), patent ductus arteriosus (a vessel that doesn’t close after birth as it should), and tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of four defects), can similarly overwork the heart and spur the onset of CHF.
The impact of congenital heart defects underscores that CHF isn’t confined to adults or the elderly. It can affect even the youngest among us. However, early diagnosis and treatment, which can range from medications to surgical interventions, can often correct or at least significantly improve many of these defects, mitigating their potential progression to CHF. (7)
