What are Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)?

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect. As medical care and treatment have advanced, babies with a CHD are living longer and healthier lives. Learn more facts about CHDs below. CHDs are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. They can affect how blood flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body. CHDs can vary from mild (such as a small hole in the heart) to severe (such as missing or poorly formed parts of the heart).

Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about CHDs, please visit Facts about CHDs | CDC ​.

Rates of Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs): 2018–2020​

Overall​

By Age

​By Race and Ethnicity

*Per 10,000 live births

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018–​2020, California 10-County Catchment​ Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and T​ulare)

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