In order to fully appreciate how congenital heart defects can impair the muscle’s ability to perform its job, it is worth reviewing how the heart normally functions. There are four chambers – two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). The left and right sides have specific tasks. The right side sends oxygen-poor blood into the lungs to be oxygenated. That blood, rich with oxygen, returns through the left side before being sent into the aorta and throughout your body.

There are four valves that control the flow of blood between the atria and ventricles, and outward from the ventricles. The right atria and ventricle are separated by a tricuspid valve.

The left atria and ventricle are separated by a mitral valve. A pulmonary valve allows blood to flow from the right ventricle into the lungs (first passing through the pulmonary artery). An aortic valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the rest of your body (after going into the aorta).

With this brief overview of the muscle’s normal function in mind, here are the most common congenital heart defects:

Holes In The Muscle

The left and right sides of your heart are separated by a wall called the septum. This wall prevents blood from the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles from mixing. Some children are born with a hole in this wall. If the generic cialis forum hole appears between the atria, it is called an atrial septal defect. If the hole appears between the ventricles, it is called a ventricular septal defect. Because these holes allow blood between the atria and ventricles to mix, it prevents the heart from pumping efficiently.

Valvular Problems

Defects can also impact the valves. Each valve has flaps, or leaflets. If the flaps stiffen, the valve may not be able to open properly. That prescription cialis online Kamagra Gold means less blood can get through the opening and the heart must work harder. This condition is known as stenosis. If the flaps prevent the valve from closing properly, blood can leak through the opening. This condition is known as regurgitation. In some cases, a valve develops poorly and does not allow blood to pass through at all. This is known as atresia, a serious condition that can lead to heart disease.

Complex Defects

Complex defects are usually comprised of combinations of simpler defects. The most common is known as tetralogy of Fallot. It involves stenosis of the pulmonary valve, a ventricular septal defect, a poorly-positioned aorta, and a thickening of the right ventricular muscle. This type of defect can only be resolved through surgery. In most cases, it requires a surgeon to open the chest in order to access the heart, but minimally invasive techniques may become more widespread in the near future.

Severe congenital heart defects are usually identified during pregnancy or within weeks after childbirth. If the problems are less severe, they may not be diagnosed for years. If your child is diagnosed with holes in his or her septum, valvular problems, or complex defects, consult your doctor for guidance.

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