Cyanotic congenital heart defects differ from one case to the next–but what is considered to be the most common?

A cyanotic congenital heart defect can have a significant impact on a person’s life and overall health. There are many different defects that fall under this category, but they can show up at different rates. In general, Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is considered to be the most common defect in this category. In this article, we will discuss what this condition is–and what it means.

Cyanotic Congenital Heart Defects: What You Need to Know

Though congenital heart defects are often considered to be fairly rare in the public eye, this really isn’t the case. In fact, congenital heart defects impact a surprising number of newborns on an annual basis all around the world. Let’s take a look at the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect in more detail.

What Does Cyanotic Mean?

The first key to understanding this defect and its categorization is its primary label as being cyanotic. Cyanotic is a derivative of the term cyanosis. Cyanosis refers to an instance where there is poor circulation in the body. This often includes blood that is not adequately oxygenated and can lead to a blue tint to the skin or lips.

What is Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is a condition that is present at birth, but it is not always immediately diagnosed at birth depending on the severity. It influences the flow of the blood, leading to cyanosis. This occurs because the heart forms incorrectly, leading to four primary defects. These defects include a right ventricular wall that is thicker than it should be, a misplaced aorta, a defect with the ventricular septal, and pulmonary stenosis.

What Can You Expect with This Condition?

Cyanosis in general can be a common symptom of this condition, leading to that blue tint. However, it often comes with other symptoms as well. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath are fairly common. As a result of this, many impacted children do not have the same energy levels as their peers. Depending on the severity, fainting spells can occur.

How Common is it?

According to studies conducted by the CDC, roughly 1 in 2,518 babies will have this condition. Overall, it is believed that it impacts over 1,600 children a year. This is a fairly significant number of babies, even if it seems small on the surface. 

The Takeaway

Living with CHD can come with unique challenges that not everyone understands, which is why we are committed to providing support for patients in need. If you are looking to find more CHD support, we would love to connect with you. These conditions impact a high volume of people every year, and we believe that these voices should be heard.