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According to the March of Dimes, the frightening statistic is that one out of every 28 babies will be born with a birth defect. One of the most common structural birth defects is a heart defect, which affects one out of every 125 babies born.

• Heart defects are the number one cause of birth defect related infant deaths.

In most cases, it is impossible to determine what caused the heart defect. Genetics are sure to play some role, but researches also believe that environmental factors may also contribute to the formation of congenital heart defects.

• Environmental factors that can cause heart defects include the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine.
• Consumption of alcohol is also thought to cause heart defects.
• Many prescription and over the counter medications are known to contribute to heart defects. These include lithium and some acne medications such as accutane.
• Heart defects can also occur due to congenital infections. For example, if the mother were to contract Rubella, there is chance that the baby's heart could be damaged.
• Chronic maternal illness, such as diabetes, may also cause heart defects.

In some cases, it is possible to determine that a baby will be born with a heart defect through a form of ultrasound called echocardiography. Genetic testing can also be helpful.

• In some cases, the defect is so minor that it is not properly diagnosed for years.
• Symptoms of a heart defect can be as innocuous as a slight murmur. Symptoms can also include shortness of breath, failure to gain weight, swelling of the legs, stomach or around the eyes, fainting, or the skin turning gray or blue.

Heart defects can run the range from being asymptomatic to being life threatening. Specific treatment options will depend upon several factors including the type of defect, the general health of the infant, if there are any other medical complications, and the infant's age when the defect was first diagnosed. A few of the many heart defects that can occur are:

• Heart rhythm disturbances(arrhythmias), can often be identified before the baby is born. Depending upon the severity of the problem, the mother may be given heart medications that will help treat the baby while still in utero.
• Cyanosis is really a symptom rather than a specific defect. Cyanosis occurs when the blood is not being properly oxygenated. The most obvious sign of cyanosis is the patient's skin turning to a gray or blue color. Treatment options will depend upon correct diagnosis of what is preventing the blood from being sufficiently oxygenated.
• Heart valve abnormalities can occur in a number of ways. The valves may be too narrow, unable to open, or blocked in some manner. This prevents the blood from flowing properly. This can be treated by using balloon catheterization to unblock or widen the valves, or via surgery to repair or replace the valves with synthetic ones.
• Atrial septal defect, this occurs when a hole forms between the upper chambers of the heart. This is thought to be a genetic defect. If the hole is small, it will often heal on its own. Otherwise, surgery will be needed to mend the hole.
• Ventricular Septal defect occurs when there is a hole between the lower chambers of the heart. It is treated in the same manner as upper chamber holes.
• Patent ductus arteriosus mostly occurs in preamture infants. In the womb, there is a blood vessel leading from the lungs to the heart that allows a two-way flow of blood. After birth, this vessel should close. When it doesn't, the baby will be given medication to close the vessel. If that doesn't work, it can be corrected surgically.
• Coarctation of the aorta occurs when the aorta is too narrow for blood to flow properly. In some cases the aorta can be manually enlarged, or replaced with an artificial aorta.

Research into congenital heart defects has made great strides in increasing the ability to diagnose and treat heart defects. Consequently, the number of infants dying from heart defects is rapidly declining. Medical advances also allow children to be treated at a younger age than was previous possible.