The aortic valve is one of the heart’s 4 valves. The valves help blood flow through the heart’s 4 chambers and out to your body normally. The surgery is called “minimally invasive” because it uses a smaller incision than a traditional open repair. This may lead to easier and faster recovery from surgery.

When the pulmonary valve is missing or does not work well, blood does not flow efficiently to the lungs to get enough oxygen. In most cases, there is also a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart (ventricular septal defect). This defect will also lead to low-oxygen blood being pumped out to the body.

Aortic valve stenosis is a defect that narrows or obstructs the aortic valve opening, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood into the body’s main artery (aorta).

Following surgery, survival ranged from 16 years on average for people aged 65 or less, to six or seven years for those over 75. Fewer than one in 100 developed a stroke each year. Ten years after surgery most people (94%) still had a good functioning valve. By 20 years the rate of valve deterioration had risen to 48%.

Signs and symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation, which depend on its severity and how quickly the condition develops, can include: Abnormal heart sound (heart murmur) heard through a stethoscope. Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially when you have been very active or when you lie down. Fatigue.

Having something metallic in your body doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have an MRI scan, but it’s important for medical staff carrying out the scan to be aware of it. For example, it may be possible to make a pacemaker or defibrillator MRI-safe, or to monitor your heart rhythm during the procedure.

You can get disability benefits if you have congenital heart disease that causes cyanosis or severe functional limitations on your ability to work. Congenital heart disease comes in many forms, with some presenting serious limitations for the patient and others being barely noticeable.

If your child has a congenital heart defect, he or she may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monthly financial aid for people of all ages who have serious conditions or illnesses.

Critical congenital heart defects (also called critical CHDs or critical congenital heart disease) are the most serious congenital heart defects. Babies with critical CHDs need surgery or other treatment within the first year of life.

Survival. About 97% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. About 95% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to 18 years of age.

Many people with a CHD live independent lives. Some people with a heart defect have little or no disability. For others, disability might increase or develop over time. People with a heart defect might also have genetic problems or other health conditions that increase the risk for disability.

Common Tests for Congenital Heart Defects

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
2. Chest X-rays.
3. Echocardiogram.
4. Cardiac Catheterization and Angiogram.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
6. CT (Computerized Tomography) of the Heart.
7. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
8. Holter Monitor.

Atrial septal defect signs and symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising.
• Fatigue.
• Swelling of legs, feet or abdomen.
• Heart palpitations or skipped beats.
• Stroke.
• Heart murmur, a whooshing sound that can be heard through a stethoscope.