Congenital heart disease cyanotic
For patient information, click Cyanotic congenital heart disease
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Keri Shafer, M.D. [2], Atif Mohammad, M.D.
Overview
Cyanotic heart defects are called such because they result in cyanosis, a bluish-grey discoloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen in the body.
Pathophysiology
Associated Conditions
Some of the defects that are associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease are as follows:
- Truncus arteriosus,
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Transposition of the great vessels
- Tricuspid atresia
Causes
Causes in Alphabetical Order
- Aortic valve is unable to open wide enough.
- Chemical exposure
- Coarctation or complete interruption of the aorta
- Ebstein's anomaly
- Genetic and chromosomal syndromes, such as:
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Infections (such as rubella) during pregnancy
- Medications prescribed by your doctor or bought on your own and used during pregnancy
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in women who have diabetes during pregnancy
- Pulmonary valve may be absent or unable to open wide enough.
- Street drugs used during pregnancy
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Tricuspid valve may be absent or unable to open wide enough.
- Truncus arteriosus
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Some heart defects cause major problems right after birth. Others cause few, if any, problems until adulthood.
One symptom is cyanosis, which usually seen as a bluish color of the lips, fingers, and toes. It may occur while the child is resting, or only when the child is active.
Some children have breathing problems (dyspnea). They may get into a squatting position after physical activity to relieve breathlessness.
Others have spells, in which their bodies are suddenly starved of oxygen. During these spells, symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Breathing too quickly (hyperventilation)
- Sudden increase in bluish color to the skin
Infants may get tired or sweat while feeding and may not gain as much weight as they should.
Fainting (syncope) and chest pain may occur.
Other symptoms depend on the type of cyanotic heart disease, and may include:
- Feeding problems or reduced appetite, leading to poor growth
- Grayish skin
- Puffy eyes or face
- Tiredness all the time
Physical Examination
Physical examination confirms cyanosis. The child may have clubbed fingers. Abnormal heart sounds, a heart murmur, and lung crackles may be heard.
References