Congenital Heart Diseases

Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart or great vessels present at birth, accounting for a significant proportion of birth defects worldwide. This tertiary-level topic covers the classification into right-to-left shunts (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of Great Arteries), left-to-right shunts (e.g., Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, Patent Ductus Arteriosus), and obstructive lesions (e.g., Coarctation of Aorta, Valvular Stenosis). For Zambian university and college students pursuing degrees in medicine, biomedical sciences, nursing, or clinical officer programs, understanding CHDs is essential for pediatric cardiology, clinical diagnosis, and management of cyanotic and acyanotic heart conditions. The content aligns with tertiary syllabi, emphasizing hemodynamic consequences, clinical presentations, and complications. Mastery of CHDs supports examination success and prepares healthcare professionals in Zambia to contribute to early detection and interdisciplinary care of congenital cardiac conditions.