11 Symptoms of Triad of Fallot

Triad of Fallot is a disease that is characterized by three anatomical defects in the structure of the main pump of the human body. All three deviations appear simultaneously, which is why the disease has a whole range of symptoms that are almost impossible to cope with without medical help. As a rule, the pathology manifests itself immediately after birth, bringing discomfort to the newborn.

general characteristics

The triad of Fallot is a congenital heart defect. The pathology combines three anatomical abnormalities (pulmonary artery stenosis, secondary right ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial septal defect).

The disease is also referred to the conditional subgroup of "blue" heart defects. This classification is due to the appearance of cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) in patients. Blueing occurs as a result of depletion of pulmonary blood flow.

According to statistics, the triad of Fallot is found in 2-5% of all newborns. The most common is valvular stenosis of the pulmonary column.

1. Early. In the early stages, the defect is characterized by signs that are observed in isolated pulmonary artery stenosis. Even minor physical activity can cause shortness of breath. It becomes obvious that the heart is enlarged.
2. Late. At a later stage, dilatation of the right ventricle occurs. Changes are also observed in the right atrium. It is hypertrophied and dilated. The trunk of the pulmonary artery may dilate. All parts of the left side of the heart remain unchanged.

The main reasons for the appearance

The triad of Fallot begins its development during the period when the anatomical structures of the fetus are formed. To date, scientists cannot provide clear information about the causes of this disease. However, you can get acquainted with the list of factors that increase the likelihood of a child with a "blue" heart disease.

• genetic mutations (pathology has a hereditary relationship; often occurs if a child is born from marriage between family members, close relatives);
• the presence of serious viral infections during the period of gestation (in particular due to the rubella virus, measles or influenza);
• alcoholism of parents (deviation may occur even if only one parent is addicted to alcoholic beverages);
• the addiction of a pregnant woman to smoking and the use of psychoactive drugs;
• the fetus receiving an insufficient amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals during pregnancy (avitaminosis always negatively affects the organisms of both the mother and the baby);
• taking medications that were contraindicated for use;
• hypoxia (decrease in the volume of oxygen in the body) of the fetus for a long time;
• the presence of disorders in the work of the endocrine system;
• radioactive exposure.

Any of these factors can cause the formation of dangerous deviations (incomplete closure of the septal septa or an uncharacteristic arrangement of the heart vessels). Also, one should not exclude the influence of heredity and the development of possible chromosomal mutations.

Symptoms and possible complications

It is important to consider that clinical signs directly depend on the severity of hemodynamic abnormalities. It is necessary to consider how much the artery has narrowed and how large is the hole that has formed in the interatrial septum.

• dyspnea. A newborn with heart disease may experience shortness of breath almost from the first days. Most often it is observed during feeding. If the child is older, this sign is observed after any physical exertion (even minimal). The more severe the form of pathology, the earlier the symptom will appear.
• cyanosis. The severity of blue skin and mucous membranes depends on the degree of narrowing of the pulmonary artery. In the presence of a mild form of the disease, cyanosis does not torment the baby for quite some time. As a rule, it is observed in primary school age. If the symptom appeared earlier, it is worth paying attention to a full examination and treatment.
• fatigue. The kid gets tired very quickly, even if he has not been active before. Drowsiness and lethargy are also characteristic.
• delay in the development of the child. Often there are delays in physical development. There are failures in the process of formation of arbitrary human movements.
• pulsation of the veins in the neck. Can be observed after physical exertion. The more the child gets tired, the more shortness of breath appears, and the veins begin to pulsate.
• heart hump. The thoracic region in the region of the heart is deformable. It begins to bulge, forming a kind of hump. If the right ventricle expands over time, then the protrusion also increases.
• murmurs in the heart. Auscultation (listening to sounds as a physical diagnostic method) reveals noises that are unusual for a healthy human body. They are like purrs.
• dizziness and fainting. They happen to patients only in case of complex forms of the disease. The main reason is any physical effort. If the child periodically loses consciousness, then the help of a doctor is indispensable.
• change in the size of the fingertips. Fingertips thicken significantly. Outwardly, they become similar to drumsticks.
• polycythemia. Polycythemia is a chronic disease. It causes the process of increasing the concentration of erythrocytes in the blood. The hematocrit increases.
• liver enlargement. As the disease progresses, there is a gradual increase in the liver. In severe forms of pathology, pulsating movements are recorded.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact a specialist. Consultations with a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon will be mandatory.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Triad of Fallot in newborns, as a rule, is detected by doctors immediately after childbirth. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of avoiding complications. If, for some reason, specialists were unable to identify the pathology immediately, and parents observe alarming symptoms after discharge from the hospital, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor for a thorough examination.

• complete blood count (provides information about red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood);
• electrocardiogram (provides features of cardiac overload);
• auscultation of the heart (systolic murmurs and abnormal sounds are detected);
• chest x-ray (indicates deformity of the pulmonary artery and enlarged parts of the heart);
• contrast angiography (will show changes in the interatrial septum and calculate how narrowed the arteries are);
• catheterization and manometry (gives information about the pressure in the heart);
• pulse oximetry (indicates the level of saturation of the body with oxygen).

Only surgical treatment can cope with this disease. The recommended age for surgery is considered to be 5-10 years. In each case, specialists use an individual approach.

If the disease was detected in the early periods of a child's life, then until the required age is reached, it is necessary to carefully monitor the health of the baby. It will not do without constant examinations by a cardiologist.

In the case of hypoxemia (decrease in the level of oxygen in the body), doctors use conservative methods of treatment. They help to cope with the main symptoms of the disease.

• oxygen therapy;
• the use of cardiac glycosides (have cardiotonic and antiarrhythmic effects);
• the introduction of sedatives (can cause calm and reduce emotional stress);
• the use of beta-blockers (affect the sympathetic nervous system).

The recovery period after surgery is 3-4 months. If necessary, they can carry out repeated treatment (both surgical and conservative).

Preventive activities

After heart surgery, the child has the opportunity to live a full life, like other children. Cyanosis disappears almost immediately, the process of blood circulation is gradually restored. However, it is better not to exclude periodic examinations by a cardiologist.

There are no specific preventive measures for Fallot's triad. A child who has undergone surgery is recommended to follow the schedule of medical examinations without fail, as well as to control the level of physical activity.

However, doctors provide a short list of tips for pregnant women.

1. Adhere to a rational diet, which includes the consumption of moderate doses of food rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the mother and her unborn baby.
2. Completely give up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol even in minimal amounts, using psychotropic drugs).
3. Don't overwork. Physical activity should be small. Outdoor activities are encouraged.
4. Avoid infectious diseases whenever possible. During periods of epidemics, you need to stay away from sources of disease. If you experience unwanted symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
5. Do not forget about periodic visits to a specialist who monitors the course of pregnancy.
6. Try to avoid stressful situations. The emotional state of the mother has a strong influence on the health of the fetus.

If one of the relatives has already encountered the Fallot triad, you need to be several times more careful and carefully monitor your health. Be sure to follow all medical instructions.