Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is the name given to defects in the heart which are present at birth. Before birth the circulation is different. The lungs, of course, do not function, and oxygenation of the blood occurs via the placenta. This means that in the foetus the oxygenated blood enters the right side of the heart. In order that oxygen can be delivered to the tissues there are two communicating pathways - one between the two atria (called the foramen ovale) - and one between the pulmonary artery and the aorta (called the ductus arteriosus). At birth, when the lungs begin to work, the pressure rises on the left side of the heart and the foramen ovale closes. If it fails to close then there is an atrial septal defect, or a hole in the heart. This may require surgery if it is large. The ductus arteriosus should close within two weeks of birth. If it does not surgery may be required to prevent oxygenated blood from the aorta entering the pulmonary circulation.
 
 
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