What is congenital heart disease (CHD)?

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to abnormalities in the heart’s structure that are present from birth. This term encompasses a wide range of heart defects, which can affect the heart walls, valves, or blood vessels, and can lead to complications such as poor blood flow or heart failure if not managed appropriately.

Understanding that CHD is characterized by its presence at birth is crucial because it highlights the significance of early diagnosis and intervention. Many congenital heart defects can be identified via prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth, emphasizing the importance of neonatal care in monitoring and treating these conditions.

In contrast, the other options discuss conditions that are not intrinsic to CHD. Acquired heart disease refers to conditions developing due to factors occurring after birth, such as lifestyle choices or infections, while a defect that develops after birth does not align with the definition of congenital heart disease. Additionally, a syndrome associated with aging is unrelated since CHD has no connection to age-related heart conditions. This clear differentiation underscores why recognizing congenital heart disease as a condition present at birth is essential for understanding its implications on health.