The week of February 7-14, 2022 is being recognized as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, a time to help spread awareness about congenital heart defects. While individual heart defect conditions are usually rare, congenital heart defects as a whole are not, affecting nearly one in 100 births. In fact, congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect. 

The term congenital heart defect (CHD) has turned into a bit of a catch all for a diverse array of abnormalities impacting the heart that appear before birth. These defects can potentially impact the structure and function of the organ. In many cases, patients must live with these conditions for their entire lives. Around 1 million children and 1.4 million adults in the US have a congenital heart defect. The most common forms include:

• Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)
• Ventricular septal defects (VSD)
• Atrial septal defects (ASD)

Some of these conditions don’t need treatment, but others require surgery, and critical congenital heart defects can be fatal if left unaddressed. Thankfully, death rates from these conditions have been decreasing in recent decades thanks to improvements in detection and treatment. Learn more about congenital heart defects here.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week aims to honor the people that live with them, educate the public about these conditions, and highlight the researchers and physicians that are doing their best to improve the lives of patients. 

Want to get involved in spreading awareness this week? Here’s how:

1. Share The Facts. Most people don’t know a lot about congenital heart defects, so sharing some stats or facts on your social media platforms can be a great way to spread knowledge. Check out this YouTube video to learn some quick info about these conditions.
2. Wear Red. Red might be a color associated with Valentine’s Day, but it’s also the color of heart health. Wear red this week to start a conversation about congenital heart defects and show solidarity.
3. Participate. The American Heart Association‘s Heart Walk and the Children’s Heart Foundation Congenital Heart Walk events support critical research that aims to improve the lives of patients.
4. Share Patient Stories. Do you have a congenital heart defect? Since they aren’t so rare, there’s a chance you might know someone else that does. Share the stories of real people that live with these conditions and don’t forget to use the hashtags #1in100 and #CHDAwareness.
5. Volunteer. With all of these events happening, there’s certainly ways for you to give back with your time. Reach out to the Children’s Heart Foundation or other charities to learn to how to get involved.
6. Make Valentines. Send some love to congenital heart defect patients with the help of organizations like Cards for Hospitalized Kids that can help deliver your card. You can also submit a virtual Valentine card at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Children’s Miracle Network.