This congenital heart defect is serious, but can be treated with surgery soon after birth.
Babies may have tet spells, also known as tetralogy spells, which are episodes of bluish skin.
However, tetralogy of Fallot causes blood flow to be reduced.
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Because of that, oxygen doesnt reach the body as well as it does in healthy individuals.
What Are the 4 Abnormalities of the Heart in Tetralogy of Fallot?
Four characteristic defects are present in the heart when a person has tetralogy of Fallot.
Inpeople with darker skin, cyanosis can cause the skin to look gray or white.
This will help regulate the blood flow through the heart.
How Is Tetralogy of Fallot Diagnosed?
Sometimes, tetralogy of Fallot is detected before a fetus is born using anultrasound.
However, the condition is more commonly diagnosed after birth.
But a tet spell is often the first sign that a child has tetralogy of Fallot.
After a symptom is noticed, healthcare providers will order anechocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart.
How Is Tetralogy of Fallot Treated?
Babies with tetralogy of Fallot need corrective surgery.
Without surgery, most people with the condition die before they are 20.
Temporary operation
Sometimes, doctors use a temporary operation to help relieve symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot.
This surgery is not open-heart surgery, so its used for very young or fragile infants.
With treatment, the outlook for infants with tetralogy of Fallot is good.
Children who have TOF will need to continue to see a cardiologist, even after the condition is repaired.
Children can experience some complications, includingarrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.
In severe cases, these can cause dizziness or fainting.
Your child should continue to see a cardiologist throughout their life if they were born with tetralogy of Fallot.
Summary
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition that some people are born with.
Tetralogy of Fallot is serious and requires open-heart surgery to correct.
American Heart Association.Tetralogy of Fallot.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tetralogy of fallot (TOF).
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tetralogy of Fallot.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetralogy of Fallot.
Seattle Childrens.Tetralogy of Fallot.
