Congenital Heart Disease Congenital heart disease represents structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth due to a developmental abnormality. Congenital defects are usually evident at birth, but may not appear until later in childhood or adult life. Congenital defects can develop in any part of the heart. Such abnormalities can occur to heart valves, the muscle comprising the walls between the various heart chambers, and to the nervous system of the heart. The cause is largely unknown.
Some defects correct themselves during the early years of development.
Others pose no statistically significant threat to one's health and well-being. While others may require surgery to correct. A possible consequence of rheumatic fever development is its affect on connective tissue. However, in the majority of the cases, the damage is to either the aortic valve or the mitral valve. Clinical RHD normally develops over a number of years.