Types of Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Heart defects happen as the baby’s heart develops during pregnancy, before the baby is born.

There are many types of CHDs. Some are simple issues that may not need treatment. Other types are more complex problems that require surgery. Most affect the walls, valves or blood vessels of the heart. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of heart defects and how Banner Health can help.

Common types of congenital heart defects

Atrial septal defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s upper chambers (atria). This allows blood to flow between the chambers, which can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart failure or stroke. 

• Small ASDs may close on their own. 
• Larger ASDs may need surgery or a procedure called cardiac catheterization. 

Learn more about atrial septal defect (ASD).

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole between the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). It lets oxygen-rich blood mix with oxygen-poor blood, which can reduce oxygen levels in the body and strain the heart. 

• Small VSDs may heal without treatment. 
• Larger VSDs may need surgery to close the hole.

Learn more about ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) happens when a blood vessel that should close after birth stays open. This causes extra blood to flow into the lungs and makes the heart work harder. 

• Small PDAs may close on their own. 
• Larger PDAs may require medication or surgery. 

Learn more about patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of four heart defects that affect blood flow: 

• A hole between the lower heart chambers (VSD) 
• Narrowing of the pulmonary valve (pulmonary stenosis) 
• Thickening of the right heart muscle (right ventricular hypertrophy) 
• The aorta is positioned over the VSD instead of the left ventricle 

These problems cause low-oxygen blood to flow to the body. TOF is usually diagnosed before or shortly after birth. Most children need open-heart surgery within the first year of life. 

Learn more about tetralogy of Fallot.

Less common congenital heart defects

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

In transposition of the great arteries (TGA), the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. This causes blood without oxygen to circulate through the body, while oxygen-rich blood loops back to the lungs. 

• TGA requires surgery soon after birth. 
• Some babies also need medication or other treatments before surgery. 

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) means the left side of the heart is too small or underdeveloped. The right side has to pump blood to the body, which it’s not designed to do. This can quickly lead to heart failure. 

• Treatment often involves a series of surgeries to reroute blood flow. 
• In some cases, a heart transplant may be needed. 

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA)

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a narrowing of the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It can cause high blood pressure and force the heart to work harder. 

Surgery is usually needed to widen the narrowed section and improve blood flow. Each kind of congenital heart defect needs special care.

Partnering with Banner Health for lifelong heart care

Every congenital heart defect is different. At Banner Health, we provide specialized care from birth through adulthood. Our heart experts use advanced imaging, surgical techniques and long-term follow-up to help patients live healthy, active lives. 

Learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms of CHDs.