How are congenital heart defects grouped together?

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How are congenital heart defects grouped together?

Congenital heart defects are either cyanotic or acyanotic.

Cyanotic heart defects

Cyanotic heart defects are defects that allow oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood to mix.

In cyanotic heart defects, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the tissues of the body. This results in the development of a bluish tint—cyanosis—to the skin, lips, and nail beds.

Cyanotic heart defects include:

• Tetralogy of Fallot.
• Transposition of the great vessels.
• Pulmonary atresia.
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return.
• Truncus arteriosus.
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
• Tricuspid valve abnormalities.

Acyanotic heart defects

Congenital heart defects that do not normally interfere with the amount of oxygen or blood that reaches the tissues of the body are called acyanotic heart defects. A bluish tint of the skin is not common in babies with acyanotic heart defects, although it may occur. If a bluish tint develops, it often is during activities when the baby needs more oxygen, such as when crying and feeding.

Acyanotic congenital heart defects include:

• Ventricular septal defect (VSD).
• Atrial septal defect (ASD).
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
• Pulmonary valve stenosis.
• Aortic valve stenosis.
• Coarctation of the aorta.

Credits

Last updated:	October 25, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC