Acyanotic heart defects are heart problems that develop before or at birth but do not normally interfere with the amount of oxygen or blood that reaches the body’s tissues. Acyanotic heart defects include ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta.

Acyanotic heart defects do not usually cause cyanosis—a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nail beds due to reduced oxygen flow. If cyanosis develops in a person with acyanotic heart defects, it is typically a sign that the heart can’t pump enough blood and may need more oxygen.