What is the most common type of congenital heart defect?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is indeed recognized as the most common type of congenital heart defect. This defect involves an opening in the ventricular septum, which is the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. The presence of this defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle.

The significance of VSD lies in its potential impact on the heart's workload and blood flow. If the defect is small, a child may be asymptomatic, while larger defects can lead to significant symptoms and complications, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and delayed growth and development.

Additionally, VSDs are typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, often during routine examinations or when symptoms arise. They can also be detected with echocardiography, which is a key tool in assessing congenital heart conditions in children.

Understanding VSD as the most prevalent congenital heart defect underscores its importance in pediatric cardiology and signals the need for appropriate monitoring and management strategies to ensure optimal outcomes for affected children.