Q20-Q28: Congenital malformations of the circulatory system

Q20: Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections

Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections refer to a group of conditions that occur when the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally before birth. These heart defects can affect the walls or valves of the heart as well as the arteries and veins carrying blood to the heart or the body. Common characteristics of these conditions include abnormal heart rhythms, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. The cause is often unknown, but it can be linked to genetic conditions or exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy. They are present at birth and often detected during routine medical check-ups or when the child exhibits symptoms. The disease progression depends on the severity of the heart defect, some may require medical intervention or surgical treatment, while others may not impact normal life significantly.