Heart Defects Associated with Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot is associated with four heart defects. These include:
– Ventricular septal defect
This defect occurs in the septum or wall that divides the right and left ventricles of the heart. It causes a hole in these two lower parts, thus allowing blood between different sections to mix. As a result, the transport of oxygenated blood to other body parts can be affected. It also weakens the heart.
– Pulmonary valve stenosis
It is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which divides the pulmonary artery and right ventricle. This restricts the amount of blood to the lungs.
– Right ventricular hypertrophy
As the pumping function of the heart is overwhelmed, it leads to the thickening of the muscular wall in the right ventricle. This makes the heart stiffen over time and results in a failure.
– Overriding aorta
Aorta is the main artery that leads out to the body. It typically branches off our left ventricle. In people with Tetralogy of Fallot, this part is slightly shifted to the right. This affects the process of transporting oxygen and nutrients. [3]
