Understanding Tetralogy of Fallot: A Congenital Heart Condition

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Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth. These defects, which affect the structure of the heart, cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and to the rest of the body. Infants and children that are diagnosed with Tetralogy of fallot have blood that does not carry enough oxygen throughout their body, and that will cause the infants and children to have blue-tinged skin. Tetralogy of fallot is usually diagnosed during infancy or sooner. However, Tetralogy of Fallot may not be diagnosed until adulthood, depending on the severity of the defects and symptoms. Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot include cyanosis, which is a bluish coloration of the skin due to low blood oxygen …show more content…

Tet spells are most common in young infants, around 2 to 4 months old. Toddlers or older children might squat when they are short of breath, which helps increase blood flow to the lungs. Tetralogy of Fallot is caused during fetal growth, when the baby's heart is developing. While factors such as maternal nutrition, viral illness or genetic disorders might increase the risk of this condition, in most cases the cause of Tetralogy of Fallot is unknown. There are four defects that are present at birth that cause this condition; They are, pulmonary valve stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. some children or adults who have Tetralogy of Fallot may have other heart defects, such as a hole between the heart's upper chambers (atrial septal defect), a right aortic arch or abnormalities of the coronary arteries. Diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot include a physical examination, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, and cardiac catheterization. Tetralogy of Fallot is treated by surgery, which is the only effective treatment for Tetralogy of

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