What is the most common congenital heart defect?

The most common congenital heart defect is a ventricular septal defect (VSD). VSD occurs when there is a hole in the septum that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows for the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs and potential complications such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension if left untreated.

VSDs are often identified early in life and can vary in size and severity. Smaller defects might be asymptomatic and close spontaneously over time, while larger defects may require surgical intervention. The high prevalence of VSDs among congenital heart defects can be attributed to the fact that they occur fairly early during fetal development, making them one of the most frequently encountered conditions by pediatric cardiologists. Many patients with VSDs lead normal lives, especially if their defects are small and monitored appropriately.