Alternative Names
Right-to-left cardiac shunt; Right-to-left circulatory shunt
Definition of Cyanotic heart disease
Cyanotic heart disease is a heart defect, present at birth (congenital), that results in low blood oxygen levels. There may be more than one defect.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, blood returns from the body and flows through the heart and lungs. It will then leave the heart with enough oxygen to supply the body’s tissues.
Symptoms
One symptom is cyanosis, which usually seen as a bluish discoloration of the lips, fingers, and toes.
Signs and tests
Physical examination confirms cyanosis. The child may have clubbed fingers.
Treatment
Some infants may need to stay in the hospital after birth so they can receive oxygen or be put on a breathing machine. They may receive medicines to:
Expectations (prognosis)
See the specific disorder. Some of these conditions may cause sudden death.
Review
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 10/12/2009
