Heart condition
Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
An opening between the heart’s lower chambers. Its effect depends on its position, size and the rest of the heart.
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Understanding heart conditions
A name is a starting point. Explore what it means, how the usual blood flow may be different, and questions for your team.
14 guides
Heart condition
Atrial septal defect (ASD)
An opening in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers. Some need monitoring; others may need closure.
Heart condition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
A connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery stays open after birth, allowing extra blood to return towards the lungs.
Heart condition
Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
A difference in the centre of the heart involving the separating walls and the valves between upper and lower chambers.
Heart condition
Pulmonary stenosis
A narrowing on the route from the right ventricle to the lungs. Mild and severe forms can need very different care.
Heart condition
Aortic stenosis
A narrowing where blood leaves the left ventricle towards the body. The location and amount of narrowing guide care.
Heart condition
Coarctation of the aorta
A narrowed part of the main artery to the body. It can be urgent in a newborn or discovered much later.
Heart condition
Tetralogy of Fallot
A combination of heart differences that can reduce blood flow to the lungs. Surgery and regular checks afterwards are usually needed.
Heart condition
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
The two main arteries leave the opposite pumping chambers. A newborn needs specialist care to help oxygen-rich blood reach the body.
Heart condition
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
The left side of the heart is too small to provide the usual pump to the body. Families need specialist discussion of care options.
Heart condition
Single ventricle conditions
A group of conditions in which one pumping chamber does most of the work. The exact diagnosis and how blood flows now matter.
Heart condition
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC)
All the veins returning blood from the lungs connect differently. Surgery redirects this blood to the left side of the heart.
Heart condition
Truncus arteriosus
One shared main artery supplies the body and lungs. Repair separates these routes, and further treatment may be needed as a child grows.
Heart condition
Ebstein’s anomaly
The tricuspid valve is formed and positioned differently. Its effects range from mild to severe, so care is highly individual.