Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day – February 14, 2027

History of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

A congenital heart defect, by definition, is a heart defect that exists at birth. One thing to note here is that this kind of heart ailment is a defect or abnormality and not a disease. A congenital heart defect is caused when the heart or blood vessels near the heart don’t develop normally before birth. The exact cause of these heart defects is still unknown. Although some researchers presume it to be genetic, only a few genes have been linked to heart defects. So, most researchers are in a general assumption that heart defects are likely due to environmental factors as well as multiple genetic factors. Moreover, the conditions vary widely in severity, so we cannot pinpoint the exact seriousness of the defect in children.

There is a high probability that people with this genetic condition will pass it along to their children. In fact, researchers say that there is a 50% chance that the child might have the same genetic condition. Congenital heart defects (C.H.D.) are usually diagnosed early, even before birth. However, some defects are harder to detect, and some defects might even be undiagnosed until much later in childhood.

World Congenital Heart Defect is an international holiday that is aimed to educate everyone about congenital heart defects as well as to honor and remember everyone born with a heart defect, and the families and friends touched by children with heart defects. So, if you or your children have a congenital heart defect, follow up regularly with your cardiologist and continue your treatment.