Congenital heart disease: types, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses structural heart abnormalities with lifelong implications.
• Patients with CHD face increased risks of morbidity, reduced survival, and complications like heart failure and stroke.
• Despite advancements, the etiology and pathophysiology of some CHDs remain unclear, complicating management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common congenital heart diseases.
• To identify and highlight current knowledge gaps in understanding and managing various CHD types.
• To enhance the understanding of congenital heart disease for improved clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of congenital heart disease.
• Analysis of current understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
• Identification of areas with limited knowledge and ongoing research needs.

Main Results:

• Review covers common CHDs: patent foramen ovale, septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, transposition of great arteries, and others.
• Discussion highlights knowns and unknowns in CHD etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management.
• Identified areas requiring further investigation to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Congenital heart disease management remains challenging due to its prevalence and lifelong impact.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate unknown aspects of CHD pathophysiology and improve patient prognoses.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will aid in refining international guidelines and enhancing quality of life for CHD patients.