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Article: Congenital heart defects: the most common birth defect America.(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Pediatrics for Parents
- Article date:
- January 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Pediatrics for Parents, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Unbeknownst to many, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect in America, affecting nearly 40,000 babies each year. Many parents are unfamiliar with the term CHD, and if they have heard of it, they are unsure of what it entails.
A CHD consists of an abnormality in the structure of the heart that may have life-threatening effects. There are over 35 different types of CHDs, and there is no cure for most of them. Some congenital heart defects can heal over time on their own, but others may require serious treatment. Many with a CHD will require at least one invasive surgery in their lifetime. Sadly, thousands of infants who survive birth with ...