Congenital heart defects are structural problems arising from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels. At least 18 distinct types of congenital heart defects are recognized, with many additional anatomic variations. If your child is born with a heart defect today, the chances are better than ever that the problem can be overcome and that a normal adult life will follow. Recent progress in diagnosis and treatment (surgery and heart catheterization) makes it possible to fix most defects, even those once thought to be hopeless.

As diagnosis and treatment continue to advance, scientists will develop treatments for other defects. Your pediatric cardiologist will discuss your child’s heart defect, treatment options and expected results. The descriptions and pictures of common heart defects that follow will help you understand your child's heart problem. These information sheets will also answer some common questions such as those about treatments, ongoing care your child might need, and activities your child can participate in.

• Aortic Valve Stenosis and Aortic Insufficiency 
• Atrial Septal Defect 
• Atrioventricular Canal Defect
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Ebstein's Anomaly
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Pulmonary Atresia 
• Pulmonary Stenosis 
• Tetralogy of Fallot 
• Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection 
• Transposition of the Great Arteries 
• Tricuspid Atresia 
• Truncus Arteriosus 
• Ventricular Septal Defect 
  

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 06/04/09.