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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough the exact cause of atrioventricular canal defect is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a congenital heart defect:
- The baby also has Down syndrome, a genetic condition resulting from an extra 21st chromosome. Close to half of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease. Of these, 45 percent have atrioventricular canal defect.
- A mother who had German measles (rubella) or another viral illness during early pregnancy.
- A parent who had a congenital heart defect.
- Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- A mother who has diabetes.
- Taking some types of medications during pregnancy. Medications that increase risk include the acne drug isotretinoin (Accutane) and lithium (Eskalith), which is used to treat bipolar disorder, a condition that causes intense mood swings.
