Heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1% of births each year. About 40,000 babies each year in the US are born with a heart defect. As medical care and treatment have advanced, people with heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Heart defects can vary from mild to severe. 

 

Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth affecting a babys heart structure and function. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect.

 

The causes of heart defects among most babies are unknown. A combination of genes, behaviors and our environment may increase the risk for developing a heart defect, but we dont fully understand how these factors work together to cause heart defects. 

 

While we have more work to do, we have learned about factors that might increase the risk for heart defects such as: smoking during pregnancy, mothers that have diabetes or obesity and taking certain medications during pregnancy. 

 

I Walk for all babies born with congenital heart defects like my daughter and to help continue the research to help prevent some of these defects. Help me reach my goal today.​