Symptoms of Tetralogy Of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that affects the structure of the heart and causes a disruption in the normal flow of blood. It is characterized by a combination of four heart abnormalities, which include:
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD): This is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles. It allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the body.
- Pulmonary stenosis: This refers to a narrowing or obstruction of the pulmonary valve or the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. It restricts the flow of blood to the lungs, causing the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood.
- Right ventricular hypertrophy: The increased workload on the right ventricle due to pulmonary stenosis causes the muscle to thicken and enlarge. This is known as right ventricular hypertrophy.
- Overriding aorta: In TOF, the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body, is positioned directly above the ventricular septal defect instead of being connected to the left ventricle. This allows oxygen-poor blood to flow from the right ventricle into the aorta and circulate throughout the body.
The combination of these four heart defects results in a range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot include:
- Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nails due to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. This is one of the most characteristic symptoms of TOF and is often present at birth or shortly after.
- Difficulty breathing: Infants with TOF may experience episodes of rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or difficulty feeding. Older children and adults may have similar symptoms during physical exertion or exercise.
- Fainting spells: Also known as syncope, fainting spells can occur due to reduced blood flow to the brain. These episodes are more common in older children and adults.
- Poor growth and development: In severe cases of TOF, inadequate oxygen supply to the body can affect growth and development, leading to delayed milestones and failure to thrive.
- Clubbing of fingers and toes: Over time, chronic low oxygen levels can cause the fingertips and toes to become rounded and enlarged.
- Irritability: Infants with TOF may exhibit increased fussiness or irritability, especially during feeding or physical activity.
It is important to note that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with Tetralogy of Fallot. Some individuals may have mild symptoms and lead relatively normal lives, while others may require surgical intervention to correct the heart defects.