When a Heart Breaks, It Don't Break Even

I figure that it's mostly going to be people who have or know someone who has congenital heart defects reading this, but just in case there is someone reading who isn't familiar with the terminology, here's a little vocab lesson. That is one long sentence.

Congenital Heart Disease- one or more defects in the heart that occurs before birth

Shone's Syndrome- a condition made up of multiple anomalies on the left side of the heart involving the aortic and/or mitral valve(s)

bicuspid valve- a valve with two flaps instead of three

coarctation of the aorta- a narrowing of the aorta

atrial fibrillation- rapid, uncoordinated contractions in the atria

ventricular tachycardia- rapid, dangerous heartbeat caused by faulty electrical impulses in the ventricles

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)- a device implanted under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the heart to control rapid or irregular heart rhythm.

pacemaker- a device implanted under the skin that paces the heart when it gets too slow

lead- the wire that connects the pacemaker or ICD to the heart

I got my definitions from www.congenitalheartdefects.com and they have many more terms and definitions if you're interested.