Which term refers to structural problems of the heart present at birth?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Atrial fibrillation
• D. Congenital heart defects

Answer: (D)

Structural problems of the heart present at birth are called congenital heart defects. This term means the heart’s anatomy didn’t develop normally before birth, leading to issues such as holes in the heart walls or valve malformations. The other terms describe conditions that aren’t about birth-present structural abnormalities: bradycardia is a slow heart rate, hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature, and atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm that isn’t defined by being present at birth. Congenital heart defects can range from minor to severe and may be identified at birth or in early life.