Which is the most common cardiac defect found in newborns?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is recognized as the most common congenital heart defect found in newborns. This condition involves an abnormal opening in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. As a result, oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle mixes with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, which can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and associated complications.

VSDs can vary in size, and while small defects may not cause significant issues, larger ones can lead to heart failure and increased risk of pulmonary hypertension if not addressed. The prevalence of VSDs, alongside the impact they can have on the hemodynamics of the heart, solidifies their position as the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart defect during the neonatal period.

In comparison, other defects, while also significant, occur with less frequency in relation to VSD, making it particularly noteworthy in both clinical practice and research focused on congenital heart disease in newborns.