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Congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses a wide range of cardiac anomalies present at birth, including various defects that may occur independently or in combination. These anomalies typically involve altered structures of the cardiac chambers, valves, or great vessels, leading to disruptions in the normal pattern of blood flow. Even after surgical interventions to correct these structural abnormalities, individuals with CHD remain at risk for cardiac complications like arrhythmias, heart failure, and valve insufficiency.
CHD is broadly categorized into two types: cyanotic and acyanotic heart disease. This classification hinges on the level of hemoglobin saturation in the systemic circulation.
| Feature | Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease | Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Heart defects that result in decreased oxygenated blood reaching the systemic circulation | Heart defects that do not significantly affect the oxygenation of blood in the systemic circulation |
| Oxygen Saturation | Lowered oxygen saturation in arterial blood | Normal or slightly reduced oxygen saturation in arterial blood |
| Skin Coloration | Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) | Normal skin coloration or mild cyanosis (depends on severity and type of defect) |
| Examples | • Tetralogy of Fallot • Transposition of the great arteries • Truncus arteriosus • Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection • Tricuspid atresia | •... |
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