What is the most common type of congenital heart defect?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most common type of congenital heart defect because it occurs in about 30% of children born with congenital heart conditions. A VSD is characterized by an opening in the ventricular septum, which separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle, where oxygen-rich blood is pumped, to the right ventricle, mixing it with oxygen-poor blood. The presence of this shunting can lead to various complications, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension if not addressed.

In contrast, while atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are also common congenital heart defects, their prevalence is not as high as that of VSD. ASD involves an opening in the atrial septum, and while it can lead to similar complications, it occurs less frequently than VSD. Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition where the ductus arteriosus does not close after birth, which is significant but is not the most common defect. Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta and is less common than the other defects mentioned. Thus