An abnormality of cardiac structure and function which develops during gestation and is present at birth. 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.
Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of death in children under one year old.
Of these fatal lesions CHD is the most prevalent. Deaths from congenital heart disease decrease dramatically after the first year. After the 14th year cardiac deaths begin to increase owing to causes other than congenital cardiac abnormalities. The majority of CHD occurs as an isolated defect and is not associated with other diseases. However, CHD is a part of various genetic and chromosomal syndromes.