What is a Congenital Heart Defect?

I hate statistics. Not because I suck at math (which would be true) but because I gave birth to one. My 10-year old son is a part of one of the largest, least talked about and most underfunded statistics in the world. When Caden was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect at two months of age, we were told that without repeated open heart surgery he had a 0% chance of survival. I hate those odds even more than I hate the statistic they represent.

What is a Congenital Heart Defect?

I have handed my child over to heart surgeons on three separate occasions. And each and every time, I knew that it may be the last. The last time I looked into his eyes. The last time I held his hand. The last time I kissed his cheek. The last time I told him that I loved him. I was aware that they would stop his heart, and every time as I sat in the waiting room I felt fortunate to be there.

I feel fortunate every day for the simple fact that not too terribly long ago his chances of survival would have been zero. Without a doubt, no questions asked, his heart would not have been able to support his body. To even attempt to “fix” him simply would not have been an option; he would have died. I feel very fortunate indeed.

February is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month. Since there are no real answers as to why CHD occurs, unfortunately there is no prevention and there is also no cure. We can, however, raise awareness and ultimately funding for research so that children like mine have more of a fighting chance using the treatments that are currently available.

What can you do to help? Simply share these statistics with your friends.

Statistics of Congenital Heart Defects

Statistically speaking, congenital heart defects (CHD) account for more birth defects than any other kind of birth defect. About 40,000 babies are born with a CHD in the United States each and every year.

Statistically speaking, CHD kills more children each year than all childhood cancers combined. Those born with CHD also have a higher risk of developing other heart conditions as they age.

Statistically speaking, there are 21 recognizable forms of CHD and by the time a woman discovers she is pregnant the defect has probably already occurred.

Statistically speaking, 25% of those 40,000 children born each year will require medical intervention (catheterizations, medications, open heart surgery etc) during their first year of life – just to stay alive.

Statistically speaking, about 1.7 million Americans are affected by CHD, and that number is growing every year. It is growing because of medical advancements that allow CHD survivors to live longer, healthier lives. While their life expectancy may not be “average” it is a heck of a lot longer than it used to be.

Statistically speaking, half of the 1.7 million Americans affected by CHD also have neurological and developmental difficulties. CHD not only affects the heart; it affects (among other organs) the brain, the liver, the kidneys and especially the lungs.

Statistically speaking, in an elementary school of 500 children, approximately five of them have some form of CHD. Chances are your child knows someone like my child (and may not even realize it).

Every year, the average age of those living with CHD rises by about 5%. This is a direct result of the medical advances made possible through research and funding and awareness of CHD. Help continue this trend by sharing this post. My son and I thank you!

More heart resources:

What I’ve Learned Being a Parent of a CHD {Heart} Child
Caden’s Feet: Walking the Path of CHD
A Letter to My Heart Child on His Birthday
Warning Signs of Heart Failure in Children
Finding Free Heart Screenings for Your Little Athlete + Why You Need One (Anthony Bates Foundation)
Reasons The Ronald McDonald House Is More Than Just a Room