What is the most common cardiac malformation in infants?

What is the most common cardiac malformation in infants?

• A. Atrial septal defect
• B. Ventricular septal defect
• C. Pulmonary stenosis
• D. Coarctation of the aorta

Answer: (B)

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most prevalent congenital cardiac malformation in infants. This condition involves a defect in the septum dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart, which allows blood to flow from the left ventricle, where oxygenated blood is pumped to the body, into the right ventricle, which pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs. This abnormal shunting can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and eventually may cause heart failure if not managed appropriately. VSD is often detected through characteristic heart murmurs during routine examinations and can vary in size and severity. Small defects may close spontaneously as the infant grows, while larger defects might require surgical intervention to prevent complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. In contrast, while atrial septal defects and pulmonary stenosis are also important congenital conditions, they occur less frequently than VSD. Coarctation of the aorta is a critical condition but not as common as VSD. Understanding the prevalence of these defects aids healthcare professionals in assessing and managing conditions related to neonatal and pediatric cardiac health effectively.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most prevalent congenital cardiac malformation in infants. This condition involves a defect in the septum dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart, which allows blood to flow from the left ventricle, where oxygenated blood is pumped to the body, into the right ventricle, which pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs. This abnormal shunting can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and eventually may cause heart failure if not managed appropriately.

VSD is often detected through characteristic heart murmurs during routine examinations and can vary in size and severity. Small defects may close spontaneously as the infant grows, while larger defects might require surgical intervention to prevent complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

In contrast, while atrial septal defects and pulmonary stenosis are also important congenital conditions, they occur less frequently than VSD. Coarctation of the aorta is a critical condition but not as common as VSD. Understanding the prevalence of these defects aids healthcare professionals in assessing and managing conditions related to neonatal and pediatric cardiac health effectively.