Signs and Symptoms of Heart Defects

The signs of congenital heart disease vary according to the defect(s) that may be present. A number of defects lead to a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails and lips called cyanosis (or blue baby in infants). Also, there are a number of different types of congenital heart disease that can lead to heart failure.

Defects that cause either decreased blood flow to the lungs, or a mixing of oxygen–rich and oxygen–poor blood flowing to the body, can result in cyanosis. This condition results when the body is not getting its full supply of oxygen. The classic signs of cyanosis are a bluish tinge to the skin, most often around the lips, fingernail beds and tongue. Infants may have fast breathing and poor feeding. Older patients may have a low tolerance for exercise. Defects that can cause cyanosis include:
Critical pulmonary stenosis. A narrowing of the pulmonic valve (between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery to the lungs), which reduces blood flow to the lungs.

Pulmonary atresia. Complete closure of the pulmonic valve, which prevents blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Tetralogy of Fallot. A condition that involves the “tetralogy” of the following four elements: ventricular septal defect, enlargement of the right ventricle, narrowing of the pulmonic valve and a displaced/deviated aorta.

Tricuspid atresia. Complete closure of the tricuspid valve, which prevents blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

Ebstein’s anomaly. The tricuspid valve is both displaced and malformed. The leaky valve allows oxygen–poor blood to flow back into the right atrium instead of out to the lungs for fresh oxygen.

RESOURCES:

WWW.MAYOCLINIC.ORG
WWW.MED.UMN.EDU
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WWW.HEALTHCENTERSONLINE.COM