Fallot - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Fallot

Fallot Description

A developmental abnormality of the heart present at birth resulting in five defects:

- hole between the upper chambers (atriums) of the heart - hole between the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart

- narrowing of the artery leading to the lungs (pulmonary artery)

- the opening of the heart into the aorta (main artery of the body) shifted from the left side of the heart to the right

- enlargement of the right side of the heart

Fallot Cause

Not known

Fallot Symptom

Blue baby, very short of breath, very weak, fails to thrive.

Investigation

Special X-rays of heart and chest, echocardiograms (ultrasound pictures of heart function), electrocardiographs (ECG), measurement of oxygen concentration in blood, catheters inserted into heart through veins.

Fallot Treatment

Open heart surgery, often on several occasions.

Prognosis of Fallot

Most patients respond well to surgery, and can lead a normal life.