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KEY POINTS
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Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is group of birth defects in the heart. The heart has 4 sections, or chambers. There are two upper chambers each called atria, and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. The heart muscle squeezes to push blood through these 4 chambers to the lungs and the rest of the body. Blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle, and the right ventricle pumps it to the lungs. As it passes through the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and leaves behind carbon dioxide. Then the blood flows back to the heart and into the left atrium, and from there into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood out to the rest of the body, with a small amount going to the heart muscle itself. The heart pushes blood out through the arteries and blood returns to the heart through the veins.
The heart has 4 valves that open and close with each heartbeat to keep the blood flowing in the right direction through the heart. They are made of thin tissues that open and close easily. The valves are closed while the chambers fill with blood and then they open to push blood out.
ToF means that the heart has these 4 problems:
These 4 problems mean that not enough blood can get to the lungs to get oxygen. The oxygen-poor blood is pumped to the rest of the body.
The cause of this birth defect is not known. It may be passed from parents to children through their genes. Genes inside each cell contain the information that tells the body how to develop and work. People with heart defects have a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a heart defect. It is more common in people with Down syndrome.
Most people with ToF have surgery to repair the defect in childhood. However, other problems with the heart may develop, such as leaky heart valves. People who don't have a lot of leaking may not have any symptoms. Over time, the added workload on your heart may cause symptoms that may include:
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. People with this defect usually have a heart murmur, which your healthcare provider can hear with a stethoscope. A heart murmur is a whooshing sound as blood moves through the heart.
Tests may include:
Most people who had surgery in childhood only need regular follow-up visits with a specialist in congenital heart disease. If you do have symptoms later in life, treatment may include medicine to:
If you have a damaged heart valve that is causing severe symptoms, you may need valve replacement surgery.
You need to have regular follow-up visits with a specialist in congenital heart disease. Regular checkups help find problems early and prevent damage to your heart. Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:
Ask your provider:
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.