What is a common cardiac condition associated with Down syndrome?

A common cardiac condition associated with Down syndrome is congenital heart disease. Children with Down syndrome have a significantly higher incidence of congenital heart defects compared to the general population, with estimates suggesting that about 40-60% of individuals with Down syndrome may have some form of congenital heart disease. The most frequently observed defects include atrioventricular septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and atrial septal defects.

Congenital heart defects arise during the development of the heart in utero and are believed to be influenced by the genetic and environmental factors associated with Down syndrome. This association underlines the importance of early cardiovascular evaluation in children diagnosed with Down syndrome to identify and manage any heart conditions effectively.

While cardiomyopathy, systemic hypertension, and hyperlipidemia can occur in individuals with various medical conditions, including some forms of genetic disorders, they are not as directly and commonly associated with Down syndrome as congenital heart disease.