Tetralogy of Fallot Signs and Symptomps, Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Tetralogy of Fallot
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Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of is a unique condition that results from a combination of four heart defects that occur at birth. The defects include ventricular septal defect, (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, a misplaced aorta/overriding, and a thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricular hypertrophy) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2021). This disease if often diagnosed at an infant stage and in some cases, depending on the severity of the illness, it may remain undetected until adulthood. The disease occurs whenever a baby’s heart fails to form correctly as they grow and develop in the womb. Some children with the condition may possess additional ventricular septal defects, an atrial septal defect (ASD) or other abnormalities in their coronary arteries.
Signs and Symptoms
Babies suffering from the disease possess a patent ductus arteriosus at birth, which results in additional blood flow to the lungs. Closure of the ductus arteriosus, which happens within the first few days, results in cyanosis (Bretz, 2021). Consequently, the signs and symptoms revealed depend on the amount of blood flow that is blocked. Common symptoms include a bluish coloration of the skin that signifies low blood oxygen levels (cyanosis), rapid breathing especially during exercise or feeding, low weight, and getting tired easily. The child may also have clubbed fingers or growths of skin and bone around their fingernails, eating problems, and developmental delays.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, there are several risk factors that could contribute to its development. These include maternal alcoholism, diabetes, a high maternal age, usually over 40 years, and a poor prenatal diet (Herndon, 2017). Individuals suffering from this condition also have a tendency of suffering from other congenital diseases, such as the Down syndrome.
Diagnosis
In some cases, the disease may be ...