Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects occur as a result of the malformation of the heart and/or its major blood vessels in utero. In other words, it’s something that people are born with. There are at least thirty-five different malformations that can occur, some are hereditary while in others can be caused by a genetic defect. However, in many cases the cause is unknown. Most congenitial heart defects are surgically corrected early on in life.
The contribution of congenital heart defects with respect to atrial fibrillation are thought to be related to the remodeling and enlargement of the left atrium of the heart. This is induced by increasing blood pressures.
In adults who have both atrial fibrillation and congenital heart defects treatments can be complicated, as in some cases traditional treatments are not effective. In addition, preventing future episodes of atrial fibrillation in individuals with congenital heart defects can be difficult.
