Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects in Children — And How They Are Treated

Medicine Made Simple Summary

Congenital heart defects are structural problems present at birth that change how blood flows through a child’s heart. Some defects are small and harmless, while others can affect breathing, growth, and energy levels. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect. Many conditions can be managed with medication, while others require catheter procedures or surgery to restore healthy blood flow. The goal of treatment is always to ensure the heart works efficiently and the child can grow and live a full, healthy life.

Understanding Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects, often called CHDs, are differences in how a child’s heart formed before birth. These are among the most common birth-related medical conditions. A child can have a small defect that barely affects daily life, or a more complex defect that requires early treatment.
Some children show symptoms early, while others may go years before a problem is noticed. Understanding the fundamentals helps families feel more prepared and confident when discussing care with their doctor.

How the Heart Normally Works

To understand CHDs, it helps to know how a healthy heart functions.
The heart has four chambers that pump blood in a cycle. The right side sends blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
Valves inside the heart make sure blood flows in the correct direction.
When any of these chambers, valves, or blood vessels develop differently, the heart may struggle to supply enough oxygen to the body.

Why Congenital Heart Defects Occur

There is rarely a single clear cause. Most CHDs occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
CHDs may be linked to

• Genetic syndromes
• Maternal diabetes
• Certain medications in pregnancy
• Viral infections during pregnancy

In many cases, no cause is ever found. What matters most is early identification and proper management.

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

What It Is

A VSD is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. This is one of the most common congenital defects.
The hole allows excess blood to pass into the lungs. Over time, this can strain the heart.

Symptoms

• Fast breathing
• Poor feeding
• Slow weight gain
• Sweating with activity

Small VSDs may cause no symptoms at all.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size of the hole.
Small VSDs often close naturally as the child grows.
Larger VSDs may require

• Medications to reduce symptoms
• Catheter-based closure
• Open-heart surgery to patch the hole

Most children who undergo repair recover fully and lead normal lives.

Suggested Image

Simple diagram of the heart showing a hole in the ventricular septum.

2. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

What It Is

An ASD is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers.
Blood flows from the left side to the right side, increasing blood flow to the lungs.

Symptoms

Many children have no symptoms for years. When symptoms appear, they may include

• Tiring easily
• Shortness of breath
• Heart murmurs

Treatment

Small ASDs may close on their own.
Moderate or large ASDs may need

• Catheter closure with a device
• Open-heart surgery if the opening is very large

Treating an ASD early prevents long-term complications such as irregular heart rhythms later in life.

Suggested Image

Diagram of ASD with arrows showing increased blood flow to the right side.

3. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

What It Is

A PDA is a vessel that should close after birth but remains open.
This allows blood to mix between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Symptoms

Small PDAs may not cause problems.
Larger PDAs can lead to

• Rapid breathing
• Poor weight gain
• Difficulty feeding

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size.
Options include

• Medications in newborns to close the PDA
• Catheter closure
• Surgical ligation when catheter closure is not possible

Repairing a PDA helps prevent lung damage and heart strain.

Suggested Image

Illustration of persistent ductus arteriosus connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery.

4. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

What It Is

Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects. This condition reduces oxygen levels in the body, often causing the child’s skin or lips to appear blue.
TOF is one of the more complex congenital defects.

Symptoms

• Bluish skin (cyanosis)
• Tiring during feeding
• Sudden episodes of breathlessness

Treatment

All children with TOF eventually need surgery.
Surgery usually involves

• Closing the VSD
• Widening the narrowed pulmonary artery

Most children recover well and live active lives, though long-term follow-up is important.

Suggested Image

A labeled diagram showing the four components of TOF.

5. Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

What It Is

This is a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery supplying blood to the body.
The narrowing forces the heart to pump harder.

Symptoms

• High blood pressure in older children
• Weak pulse in legs
• Cold lower limbs
• Breathing difficulty in infants

Treatment

Treatment is necessary once diagnosed. Options include

• Balloon dilation using a catheter
• Stent placement in older children
• Surgical removal of the narrowed section

Repair helps prevent long-term heart damage.

Suggested Image

Diagram showing a narrowed segment of the aorta.

6. Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

What It Is

In TGA, the two major arteries leaving the heart are switched.
This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear immediately after birth

• Severe cyanosis
• Fast breathing
• Difficulty feeding

Treatment

This is a medical emergency.
Initial treatment includes medication to keep certain blood vessels open.
Surgery is performed early in life to switch the arteries to their correct positions.

Suggested Image

Side-by-side image of normal vs. transposed arteries.

7. Pulmonary Stenosis

What It Is

Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing of the valve that carries blood from the heart to the lungs.

Symptoms

• Heart murmur
• Tiring quickly
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

Mild cases may only need monitoring.
More severe cases are treated through

• Balloon valvuloplasty
• Valve repair or replacement

Treatment helps prevent long-term strain on the right side of the heart.

Suggested Image

Illustration of narrowed pulmonary valve.

How Doctors Decide the Right Treatment

Doctors evaluate

• The severity of the defect
• The child’s age
• Symptoms
• Heart function on imaging
• Long-term risks of waiting

Some children need immediate surgery. Others only require monitoring.
Treatment plans are tailored to each child’s needs.

How These Defects Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and then imaging.
Common tests include

• Echocardiogram
• ECG
• MRI
• Chest X-ray
• Pulse oximetry

These tests allow doctors to see the structure of the heart and determine how blood is flowing.

Life After Treatment

Most children recover well and go on to live healthy, active lives.
Recovery depends on the type of defect and the treatment used.
Some children may need lifelong check-ups to monitor heart function, rhythm, and growth.

Why Early Detection Matters

Detecting defects early helps prevent

• Heart failure
• Lung damage
• Developmental delays
• Emergency surgeries

Parents should seek medical advice whenever symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, or bluish skin appear.

Conclusion

If your child has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect or you suspect something may be wrong, speak with a pediatric cardiologist as early as possible. Understanding the specific defect and available treatments helps you make informed decisions. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes and gives your child the best chance at a healthy, active life.