What term describes a heart malformation present at birth with an incidence around 1% of live births?

• A. Congenital heart disease or defect
• B. Coronary artery disease
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Congenital heart disease describes structural heart problems that are present at birth. These defects arise from abnormal heart development during fetal life and occur in about 1% of live births, making them a relatively common birth condition. They involve the heart’s structure, such as defects in the walls between chambers, in the heart valves, or in the great vessels.

Other terms don’t fit because they describe conditions that typically develop after birth or are not structural defects. Coronary artery disease involves the arteries supplying the heart and usually appears later in life due to atherosclerosis. A myocardial infarction is an acute event where heart muscle is damaged from blocked blood flow. Tachycardia is simply a heart rate that is faster than normal, not a congenital structural issue.