Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Cyanotic heart disease refers to a cluster of several cardiovascular defects seen at the time of birth. Since the imperfections are present at the time of delivery, it is referred to as a congenital defect or congenital disorder. The result of these conditions is a drastically low oxygen level in the blood. Cyanosis means a bluish discoloration of the skin as well as mucous membranes. In many cases of cyanotic congenital heart disease, there is an absence of cyanosis. Generally, there are additional defects in congenital cyanotic disease other than heart defects. Healthcare professionals use multiple imaging tests in order to confirm the presence of cyanotic congenital heart diseases, such as chest X-rays and echocardiograms. To some extent, medication may aid in relieving symptoms of cyanosis. Ultimately, the majority of infants need to undergo surgery to correct all the defects caused by the disease. The success of the surgery is highly dependent on several factors, such as the following,

• The severity of the defect.

• An interruption in the aorta.

• Abnormalities in the large blood vessels of the cardiovascular system.

What Are the Causes of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease?

In standard cases, blood returns from the body and smoothly flows all through the heart and the lungs. This flow is altered in children and adults suffering from cyanotic congenital heart disease leading to less flow of blood to the lungs as well as the heart. It may eventually result in the mixing of pure or oxygenated blood with impure or deoxygenated blood. There are several reasons that lead to cyanotic congenital heart disease development.

Mentioned below are some of the causes of cyanotic congenital heart disease.

• Less oxygen is delivered to the body.

• Absence of the tricuspid valve.

• Malfunctioning of the tricuspid valve.

• Lack of the pulmonary valve.

• Malfunctioning of the pulmonary valve.

• Absence of aortic valve.

• Malfunctioning of the aortic valve.

• Complete interruption of the aorta or coarctation.

• Ebstein anomaly.

• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

• Tetralogy of Fallot.

• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

• Transposition of the great arteries.

• Truncus arteriosus.

• Chemical exposure.

• Genetic and chromosomal syndromes.

• Down syndrome.

• Trisomy 13.

• Turner syndrome.

• Marfan syndrome.

• Noonan syndrome

• Infections during pregnancy.

• Rubella syndrome.

• Diabetes Mellitus is not managed during pregnancy.

• Drugs overdose

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease?

One of the classic signs and symptoms of cyanotic congenital heart disease is bluish discoloration of the skin and membrane, also called cyanosis. This generally affects the lips, toes, or fingers. Another common clinical manifestation is a great difficulty in breathing. Mentioned below are some of the common signs and symptoms of cyanotic congenital heart disease.

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Rapid breathing.

• Breathing difficulty, becoming very severe with time.

• Chronic respiratory infections.

• Hyperventilation.

• Anxiety.

• Drastically low oxygen levels.

• Tiredness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Difficulty feeding.

• Slow growth.

• Chronic respiratory infections.

• Slow weight gain.

• Heavy sweating.

• Low birth weight.

• Clubbed, or rounded, large fingers.

• Delayed growth.

• No cognitive development.

• Abnormal heart rhythm.

• Abnormal heart murmurs.

How to Diagnose Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease?

Early diagnosis is critical in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Cyanosis, rapid heartbeat, abnormal heart sounds, and other clinical manifestations may lead to several complications if not treated.

Mentioned below are some of the diagnostic tools that may help evaluate cyanotic congenital heart disease.

• Chest X-ray.

• Electrocardiogram.

• Ultrasound of the heart.

• Cardiac catheterization.

How to Treat Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease?

The treatment for cyanotic congenital heart disease depends on the severity and onset of the symptoms and the risks and complications they pose to the patient. In the majority of the cases, surgical intervention in order to correct the present defects in the cardiovascular system is necessary. Such surgeries have proven to be successful to a great extent. Surgical intervention is not delayed in case the deficiency is severe in nature. In other instances, the surgery can be postponed until the child is older. There are occasions when more than one kind of surgery may be required in order to completely correct the defects produced by cyanotic congenital heart disease. Mentioned below are some of the necessary goals of any treatment modality given forward for cyanotic congenital heart disease.

• Eliminate excessive fluid accumulation from the body.

• Get the heart pumping and functioning better.

• Keep all the blood vessels open.

• Regulate abnormal heart rhythms.

Conclusion

Cyanotic congenital heart disease is a disorder that results in bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane. It affects both children and adults but is primarily seen in children. The outlook and prognosis of cyanotic congenital heart disease vary because it is dependent on the severity of the underlying defects and clinical manifestation of the disease. It also is based on how quickly the diagnosis and treatment occur. In mild cases of cyanotic congenital heart disease, the individual is able to continue living a normal lifestyle.