Congenital
heart disease
Definition:
An abnormality of cardiac
structure and function which develops during gestation and is present at
birth.
Congenital heart disease
(CHD) is a broad term which can describe a number of different
abnormalities affecting
the heart. Congenital heart disease is, by definition, present at birth
although its effects may not be obvious immediately. In some cases, such
as coarctation of the aorta, it may not present itself for many years and
a few lesions such as a small VSD may never cause any problems and are
compatible with normal physical activity and a normal life span.