Congenital Heart Defects: Definition and Origin of the Term
"Congenital" from Latin congenitus (born with); "defect" from defectus (flaw). Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural anomalies of the heart or great vessels present at birth, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening.
Key Point
CHDs are distinct from acquired heart disease; they arise during embryonic cardiac development (weeks 3–8).
Open Heart Surgery - Related Articles
- Chordae Tendineae: Heart Valve Anchors – Structure and Function
- Pulse Points: Locations and How to Palpate Accurately
- Semilunar Valves: Gatekeepers of Ventricular Ejection
- Pulse Oximeter: A Simple Guide to Accurate Readings
- Preventing and Managing Chest Tube Clogging Post-Heart Surgery: A Nurse's Guide
- Coronary Artery Anatomy: Origins, Course, and Clinical Territories
- Atrioventricular (AV) Valves: Chordae Tendineae & Papillary Muscles in Valve Function