Heart conditions

These fact sheets provide general information on a range of heart conditions. They are designed to help patients and carers in their discussion with their cardiologist.

If there is a particular condition for which you would like to see an information sheet developed please let us know.

Atrial septal defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common type of ‘hole in the heart’ condition. The hole is between the two upper chambers of the heart and commonly causes problems in adult life if not treated.

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Congenital heart disease

The information booklet provides a brief explanation of the term congenital heart disease.

   
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Innocent murmurs

Heart murmurs are very common in childhood and many murmurs occur when the heart is normal. These are called innocent murmurs.

   
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Normal heart

This information booklet provides a basic overview of the structure and function of the normal heart and the changes in the circulation that normally happen after birth.

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Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a normal structure before a baby is born which usually closes shortly after birth. The importance and treatment of a PDA which does not close is quite different in preterm babies when compared to term babies or older patients.

   
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Pulmonary stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing of the heart valve that leads to the lungs.

   
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Recurrence

This information booklet provides a very basic discussion of the risk of your subsequent babies developing heart disease when at least one of your children already has congenital heart disease. You should discuss recurrence with your cardiologist, and may wish to consider whether genetic tests or counseling may be right for you.

   
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Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic (blue) congenital heart disease. There are four components to this defect and the details may be very different between different patients.

   
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Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a common congenital heart defect where the main artery to the lungs and the main artery to the body have ‘swapped places’ in the development of the heart. Most babies with this defect will become very blue in the first few hours after birth.

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Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole between the two pumping chambers of the heart. This is the most common congenital heart defect in childhood.

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