The clasification of congenital heart defects is possible from several points of view (functional, anatomical...). Following classification respects especially the anatomy of the heart defects. The defects may be either isolated or complex.
Congenital heart defects are congenital anomalies of the heart and big vessels. Prevalence is 6 – 8 for 1000 live-born children, but total occurence is higher.
Nowadays, these defects are mostly seen by fetal pathologist who autoptically examines spontaneous and induced abortions. Many of the heart defects are recognised and exactly diagnosed by the ultrasound screening during the 2nd trimester and are the reason for pregnancy termination between 20th – and 24th week. Suspicion for a congenital malformation can be already get at the ultrasound examination at the turn of the 1st and 2nd trimester (11th – 13th week).
Most frequent congenital heart defects:
Critical heart defects:
The clasification of congenital heart defects is possible from several points of view (functional, anatomical...). Following classification respects especially the anatomy of the heart defects. The defects may be either isolated or complex.