Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a defect that occurs at birth (congenital), though cases are said to be rare. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs as a result of a combination of four defects of the heart which affects the flow of blood through the heart. Tetralogy of Fallot in children indicates the irregular shape of the […] Read More
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Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a defect that occurs at birth (congenital), though cases are said to be rare. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs as a result of a combination of four defects of the heart which affects the flow of blood through the heart.
Tetralogy of Fallot in children indicates the irregular shape of the child’s heart during the maturation stage in the mother’s womb while pregnant. The structure of the baby’s heart deforms leading to poor oxygen intake needed to balance the normal flow of blood through the heart to the body tissues. Infants with TOF have blue-tinged skin due to inadequate oxygen.
Because tetralogy of Fallot is congenital, it can be detected and diagnosed early at birth, therefore, it is a critical congenital heart defect. Though, for some cases, tetralogy of Fallot may not be indicated until after a long period in the patient based on the symptoms experienced and how severe the symptoms are.
Early diagnosis can result in rapid response for surgical procedures to treat the defects, therefore, extending the lifespan of the patient with proper medical care and follow instructions related by the doctor.
As mentioned earlier, tetralogy occurs as a result of four defects present in the heart. These defects are explained below:
What causes cyanosis in the tetralogy of Fallot?
- Presence of a hole located in between the double lower ventricles or chambers of the heart. This defect is known as the “Ventricular Septal Defect“.
- Reduction in the size of both the pulmonary valve and artery. This valve is responsible for the separation of the right ventricle in the lower right chamber from the pulmonary artery i.e main blood vessel linked to the lungs. This defect is called “Pulmonary Stenosis“.
- When the right ventricles in the lower chamber of the heart are affected, the muscular walls in the ventricle become thicker than usual. This condition is referred to as “Ventricular Hypertrophy“.
- When the valve in the aorta known as the aortic valve opens from the two ventricles for the flow of blood instead of the ventricle in the left lower chambers alone and has an irregular increase in the aortic valve. It is noted as a defect and the aortic valve will be located above the ventricular septal defect leading to a double entrance of blood from the left and right ventricles.
- Intake of alcohol for pregnant women is bad.
- Malnutrition during pregnancy can affect the fetus.
- Diseases like rubella can prompt the tetralogy of Fallot.
- Women aged 40 years and above are liable to have tetralogy of Fallot.
- History of tetralogy of Fallot in the family.
- History of down’s syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome.
Symptoms
TETRALOGY OF FALLOT SYMPTOMS
Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms is dependent on the severity of the obstruction of the flow of blood between the chambers in the heart and lungs.
Signs and symptoms involved with tetralogy of Fallot include:
- Dizziness and fainting.
- Hard breaths mostly during exercises or eating.
- The coloration of the skin due to deoxygenated blood is known as cyanosis.
- Weight reduction.
- Irritation.
- Heart murmur.
- Fatigue
- Regular clubbing of the toes and fingers.
- Persistent crying.
For infants, the skin comes out as blue-tinged or even the nails when feeding or agitated. This occurs in infants with the age group of 2 to 4 months. These are known as the “Tet Spell”.
Causes
TETRALOGY OF FALLOT CAUSES
Tetralogy of Fallot tends to occur during the growth of the fetus. Many factors influence this defect ranging from malnutrition, consumption of the mother or medications are taken, illness, a disorder in the genes but generally, the main cause of tetralogy of Fallot can not be pinpointed.
FAQ
Cyanosis occurs as a result of low oxygen levels in the blood which is attributed to ventricular septal defect. Therefore, when a patient has tetralogy of Fallot, a low oxygen level in the blood is imminent resulting in cyanosis.
- What is the most common complication found in patients with tetralogy of Fallot?
The arrhythmias are the most common complication acquainted with tetralogy of Fallot as it is responsible for the death that occurs later after a period of 20 to 37 years of survival.
- What are the four components of tetralogy of Fallot?
The four defects that result in the tetralogy of hearts are the ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and ventricular hypertrophy.
- How long can you live with the Tetralogy of Fallot?
Normally, a patient who has been treated can leave for many years but the constraints of arrhythmias limit the life span to 20 to 37 years after surgery.
- What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?
Foods like dessert, potato chips, bacon, meals with excess protein, and energy drinks should be avoided.