Jennifer Fairman, CMI, FAMI

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural problems with the heart present at birth, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 infants born in the United States. These defects occur during the first eight weeks of pregnancy when the heart is developing. CHDs can involve different parts of the heart, such as the atria and ventricles (the chambers), valves, and major blood vessels. They can lead to abnormal blood flow, either too much or too little, through the lungs or the body, which can result in life-threatening conditions if left untreated. This poster showcases the variety of CHDs and their unique anatomical configurations.

Purpose
I created this poster for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, specifically for their Patient Education group, to help expectant parents and parents of infants better understand congenital heart defects (CHDs). The goal was to provide a clear, visual representation of the various types of CHDs, enabling parents to not only understand their child’s specific condition but also compare it to normal heart anatomy and other similar defects. By offering this educational tool, parents can more easily grasp complex medical concepts, empowering them to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful discussions with their healthcare providers about their child’s care and treatment options. Each of the illustrated conditions is also available as individual tear sheets that parents can take home.

Equiment
Graphite, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator