Imagine a world where nearly 40,000 babies are born each year with a life-threatening condition, and yet, it's a condition most people know little about. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent birth defect in the United States, impacting nearly 1% of newborns. But here's where it gets hopeful: thanks to groundbreaking research, death rates from CHDs have plummeted by 37.5% since 1999. Still, the battle is far from over. Complex cases remain high-risk, and some forms continue to claim lives within the first year.
To tackle this persistent challenge, the American Heart Association (AHA) and The Children's Heart Foundation are once again joining forces to fund five cutting-edge researchers through their Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards program. Together, these organizations have pledged over $10 million over a decade to advance CHD research. This year, the latest round of grants, totaling more than $640,000, will support projects ranging from retinoic acid signaling in aorta development to the design of innovative pediatric stent valves. Here’s a glimpse into the groundbreaking work being funded:
- Jennifer Schumacher, Ph.D. (Miami University, Oxford, Ohio): Exploring how retinoic acid signaling influences aorta development.
- Naoki Konno, Ph.D. (Stanford University, Palo Alto, California): Using single-cell evolution and computational modeling to unravel the mysteries of CHDs.
- Hao Wang, Ph.D. (University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida): Investigating the role of CDK13 in cardiac remodeling.
- Rachel Szymanski (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill): Studying the function of CRL4 in cardiac development.
- Lucas Voce (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis): Designing a revolutionary growing transcatheter pulmonary stent valve for pediatric patients.
"CHDs are not just statistics—they're families facing uncertainty every day," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the AHA. "By investing in rigorous science, we're turning that uncertainty into answers, giving clinicians and families the tools to help CHD patients thrive."
But here's where it gets controversial: while surgical advancements have enabled over 90% of CHD patients to survive into adulthood, these individuals still face heightened risks of cardiac complications as they age. This growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) highlights a critical gap in long-term care. In response, the AHA and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a new guideline in December 2025, addressing mental health, physical activity, pregnancy, and heart failure in ACHD patients. Yet, some experts argue that these guidelines may not go far enough to address the unique challenges faced by this population.
And this is the part most people miss: CHDs aren't just a pediatric issue—they're a lifelong journey. As we celebrate progress, we must also ask: Are we doing enough to support ACHD patients as they navigate adulthood? What more can be done to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult care? We want to hear from you—share your thoughts in the comments below.
For researchers passionate about making a difference, the AHA and The Children's Heart Foundation are actively seeking applications for their CHD Research Awards. Visit professional.heart.org/CHDResearchAwards to learn more and apply. Together, we can turn hope into healing—one discovery at a time.
