A healthy heart can make a huge difference in someone’s life. A heart defect can severely limit a person’s ability interact with the world around him.

Congenital heart defects are more common than people realize, yet little research funding has been allocated to this cause. Congenital heart defect awareness week aims to change that. Information about CHDs and how people can improve them.

Congenital heart defects are when the heart or blood vessels close to the heart don’t develop as normal before birth. Normal operating hearts have healthy valves and chambers. Any one of these factors can be congenital and cause low oxygen blood to not be transferred from the heart and lungs to the rest.

Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVR), Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defects (CAVC), Pulmonary Atresia (VSD) and Aortic Valve Stenosis (VRS) are all common heart defects. Each of these conditions can have an impact on a person’s quality of life. These conditions can be made more visible to help people understand their risk of developing heart defects. Participating in research about congenital heart defects is also beneficial.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is sponsored by the American Heart Association. It encourages people to be aware of congenital heart defects. They are common, how often they happen, and how people can help organizations research into congenital hearts defects.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that approximately one in 100 American births are affected by congenital heart defects. A CHD affects approximately 1.4 million Americans.

Congenital heart defect awareness week honors those who were born with these defects. It recognizes health professionals and caregivers who treat these conditions.

Share facts via social media to help children and adults suffering from congenital heart defects. Post flyers containing facts from the American Heart Association on bulletin boards in your community.

To help raise awareness about CHD, write a letter to your legislators. Share your personal story about CHD on social media and in the local newspaper. Participate in research by filling surveys and working with local organizations.

To raise awareness, create a fundraising event for your favorite heart organizations. To engage your family and friends in the discussion about CHD, use the hashtag #CHDAwareness