What is the most common type of congenital heart disease?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most common type of congenital heart disease. This condition involves a defect in the septum that divides the left and right ventricles of the heart, allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left ventricle into the right ventricle. This can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs, which may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and heart failure if the defect is large.

The incidence of VSD is significant among infants and children, making it a frequently diagnosed condition in pediatric cardiology. Identifying and managing VSD early on is crucial, as many patients require ongoing monitoring or intervention to prevent complications associated with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

Other types of congenital heart disease, while notable, do not have the same prevalence as VSD. Patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, and coarctation of the aorta are also important conditions but occur less frequently in comparison to VSD. Understanding the common types of congenital heart disease helps in early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies for affected patients.