Which of the following is the MOST common congenital heart defect encountered in children?
- A Atrial septal defect
- B Ventricular septal defect ✓
- C Patent ductus arteriosus
- D Pulmonary valve stenosis
Correct answer: B. Ventricular septal defect
Explanation
Ventricular septal defect is the single most common congenital cardiac malformation, accounting for roughly 20 to 30 percent of all defects. Secundum ASD is the commonest lesion diagnosed later in childhood because small defects are asymptomatic early, but it is not the commonest overall. PDA is common in preterm infants but ranks below VSD as an isolated structural defect.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.