Acyanotic heart defect

Acyanotic heart defect

Internal structure of the heart

An acyanotic heart defect is a type of congenital heart defect that does not typically result in cyanosis, a condition where the skin appears blue due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. These defects allow oxygen-rich blood to circulate through the body, but they can still lead to significant health issues if left untreated.

Types of Acyanotic Heart Defects

Acyanotic heart defects can be classified into several types based on the nature and location of the defect within the heart. The most common types include:

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, increasing the workload on the heart and lungs.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect is a hole in the atrial septum, the wall separating the left and right atria. This defect permits oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right atrium.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in a fetus, fails to close after birth. This results in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing can increase blood pressure and strain the heart.

Pulmonary Stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis is a condition where the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery is obstructed due to narrowing at or near the pulmonary valve.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acyanotic heart defects can vary depending on the specific defect and its severity. Common symptoms include:

• Heart murmur
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Poor growth in infants
• Frequent respiratory infections

Diagnosis

Acyanotic heart defects are often diagnosed using a combination of:

• Echocardiography
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment

Treatment for acyanotic heart defects depends on the type and severity of the defect. Options may include:

• Medication to manage symptoms
• Surgical repair to correct the defect
• Catheter-based procedures to close holes or widen narrowed vessels

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with acyanotic heart defects can lead normal, healthy lives. However, ongoing medical care and monitoring are often necessary to manage potential complications.

Related pages

• Congenital heart defect
• Cyanotic heart defect
• Cardiology
• Pediatric cardiology

Gallery

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  Internal structure of the heart

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  Acyanotic heart defect