The terms congenital and acquired are frequently used in medicine to describe a disorder, disease or defect that is either present from birth (congenital) or develops during the course of life (acquired). Congenital defects stem from fetal development but is often only obvious after birth once the baby’s body has to sustain life independent of the mother. However, with modern investigative techniques, many congenital disorders can be detected during fetal life and the appropriate measures taken prior to birth in certain cases. Congenital diseases or defects can affect any part of the body or organ and the heart and great blood vessels are no exception. These diseases and defects can be life-threatening and require intervention in fetal life or immediately after birth while in some cases it may only manifest later in life or adulthood.
continue reading Congenital Heart Disease and Defects Causes and Symptoms







