CHD Resources

What is a congenital heart defect?

Congenital means it is present at birth. Heart defects begin in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby's heart is forming.

What does CHD stand for?

It's the abbreviation for congenital heart defect.

How many babies are born with CHD?

Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a CHD. That equates to 1 out of 125 babies born with a heart defect.

It is the #1 birth defect with more occurrences than Spina Bifida, Down syndrome or hearing loss yet many are not aware of this condition.

What is the number one birth defect?

Congenital heart defects.

How many kinds of CHD are there?

There are approximately 35 different types of congenital heart defects.

How are congenital heart defects treated?

Today, most heart defects can be corrected or helped with surgery, medicine, or devices, such as artificial valves and pacemakers. In the last 25 years, advances in treatment of heart defects have enabled half a million U.S. children with significant heart defects to survive into adulthood. Need help in deciding where to go? Here's an article that will help.

Looking for CHD Resources or an explanation of your heart child's CHD?

• CHD Resources
• CHD Facts
• CHD Explanations 
• CHD Causes 
• CHD Research 
• CHD Organization for Adults
  
• CDC - Congenital Heart Defects
• CHPHC - Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium
  
• Humanitarian Organizations
  
• Make-A-Wish 
• Medical Publications  
• Newborn Pulse Ox Screening Tools and Information
  
• Preparing Your Heart Child for Surgery
• Pulse Ox Screening Tools