Congenital Heart Defects

Although the term “heart defect” can refer to many different heart problems, it’s often used to talk about defects affecting the wall (septum) that divide the two upper or two lower chambers of the heart, or problems with heart valves. Some of the more common defects are:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD). This birth defect is fairly common. With ASD, the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart has a hole in it. As a result, the heart has to work harder and the lungs can be damaged.
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO). Fetuses have an opening (called a foramen ovale) between the upper chambers of the heart that closes naturally soon after birth. If this fails to happen, the result is an open (patent) foramen ovale, or PFO. Most of the time, this defect doesn’t require treatment.
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD). This defect is a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). A VSD makes the heart less efficient and forces it to work harder.
• Aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency. The aortic valve lets oxygen-rich blood flow from the heart into the aorta (the main artery that distributes blood throughout your body). If this valve is missing one of its “leaflets,” over time the valve can become narrowed (stenotis) or leaky (insufficiency).
• Pulmonary valve stenosis. This involves a narrowed pulmonary valve (the valve that oxygen-depleted blood passes through on its way to the lungs).

Congenital heart defects in adulthood

For most people, congenital heart defects are diagnosed and treated in infancy. But rarely, symptoms associated with a congenital heart defect appear in adulthood, and are treated to relieve the symptoms.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-rays
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)
  • Medical History & Physical Exam
• Cardiovascular Advanced Imaging
  • Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Treatment Procedures

• Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Heart Defect Repairs
• Cardiovascular Specialized Procedures
  • Patent Foramen Ovale Closure (PFO)
  • Septal Closure

Intermountain Healthcare resources on angina, diagnosis, and treatment

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 2 - Understanding Heart Disease
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 4 - Diagnostic Tests
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 5 - Treatment Procedures
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 6 - Medications

Intermountain Healthcare resources on heart healthy living

• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 7 - Activity for a Healthy Heart
• Heart Care Handbook Chapter 9 - More Healthy Habits

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
• American Heart Association (AHA) - Heart Defects
• Medline Plus Heart Pages