Q21: Congenital malformations of cardiac septa

Congenital malformations of cardiac septa are heart conditions that are present from birth and involve the internal walls of the heart, known as septa. These septa divide the heart into its four chambers – two atria and two ventricles. The malformations can cause improper blood flow within the heart or to the rest of the body, depending on the severity and location of the defect. These conditions might not cause any noticeable symptoms in some individuals, while others may experience difficulties such as shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeats, or pronounced fatigue. As these conditions are congenital, they are not contagious or acquired from lifestyle or environmental factors. However, they can be influenced by genetic factors or exposure to certain substances during pregnancy. Over time, possible complications may occur, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the arteries directly connected to the lungs.