What is the leading cause of heart failure in children under one year of age?

Congenital heart disease is indeed the leading cause of heart failure in children under one year of age. This condition refers to structural heart defects that are present at birth, which can significantly affect the heart's ability to function properly. These defects can lead to a range of complications, including mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, flow obstruction, or volume overload, all of which can place a strain on the heart and ultimately lead to heart failure.

In infants, congenital heart defects may manifest as symptoms such as poor feeding, failure to thrive, rapid breathing, or cyanosis, indicating that the heart is compromised. Early detection and treatment are crucial, given the potential for serious complications that can arise from these conditions.

While myocarditis, acquired heart disease, and cardiomyopathy could also lead to heart failure, they are less common causes in this age group compared to congenital heart defects. For instance, myocarditis often develops due to infections and is more prevalent in older children and adolescents. Acquired heart diseases, while significant, generally arise from different pathologies such as rheumatic fever or infections and usually occur beyond infancy. Cardiomyopathy, which can be genetic or acquired, also tends to be less frequently diagnosed in infants compared to the more prevalent