What is the most common congenital heart defect in pediatric patients?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most common congenital heart defect in pediatric patients because it occurs in approximately 25% to 30% of all congenital heart defects. A VSD is characterized by an opening in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, which can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and potentially result in heart failure if not addressed.

The prevalence of VSD and its potential to lead to significant clinical symptoms and complications make it a key focus in pediatric cardiology. While other defects, such as coarctation of the aorta, atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), can also occur in children and may be significant in terms of morbidity, they do not match the frequency of VSD. Understanding VSD's commonality is crucial for early diagnosis and management in affected infants and children to prevent complications associated with uncorrected defects.