What is the most common congenital heart defect?

The most common congenital heart defect is indeed a ventricular septal defect (VSD). This condition is characterized by an abnormal opening in the septum that divides the left and right ventricles of the heart. VSDs can vary in size and can lead to significant hemodynamic changes, including increased blood flow to the lungs, which may subsequently cause pulmonary congestion and other complications.

Ventricular septal defects account for a significant proportion of congenital heart lesions, making them the most prevalent. Many VSDs may close spontaneously in infancy or may require surgical intervention if they are large and cause significant symptoms or complications. Understanding VSD is essential for recognizing signs of heart failure and managing the condition appropriately, which underscores its prominence among congenital heart defects.

In comparison, aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, and atrial septal defect, while important conditions to recognize, are not as common as VSDs and thus do not represent the most frequent congenital heart abnormality seen in the pediatric population.