What is the most common congenital heart defect associated with arrhythmias?

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is recognized as the most common congenital heart defect associated with arrhythmias due to its anatomical and physiological consequences on heart function. ASD is characterized by an abnormal communication between the atria, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. This abnormal flow causes volume overload in the right atrium and ventricle, potentially leading to right atrial dilation and dysfunction.

The dilation of the right atrium creates an electrophysiological substrate that can predispose patients to various types of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The abnormal hemodynamics and structural alterations from ASD can disrupt the normal conduction pathways in the heart, exacerbating the risk for arrhythmias as patients age.

In contrast, while other congenital heart defects like ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and coarctation of the aorta can also lead to arrhythmias, they are generally less frequently associated with this complication compared to ASD. VSD may lead to volume overload of the ventricles but is less directly linked to atrial arrhythmias. PDA can lead to pulmonary overcirculation, but its connection to arr