Congenital Heart Defects

Question 1

Why are congenital defects usually well tolerated before birth?

Answer 1

1. patent ductus anteriosum
2. foramen ovale

improve circulation, so oxygen saturated blood is perfuse key areas

Question 2

What is cyanosis?

Answer 2

Elevated blood concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin (about 80-85% arterial O2 saturation) causing skin and mucous membranes to turn purplish blue

Question 3

What other medical condition do you worry about if patient has congenital heart disease?

Answer 3

Infective endocarditis - patients with congenital heart disease are more susceptible.

Question 4

What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

Answer 4

acyanotic

opening of interatrial septum present after birth

allows direct blood flow between left and right atria

1 in 1,500 (Lilly)

most common at site of foramen ovale

right-left direction may reverse in severe pulmonary vascular disease (increase in pulmonary tension -> increase in right atrial tensino (ex. Eisenmenger syndrome) -> blood flows to point of less pressure ->hypoxia + cyanosis

Question 5

What is vessel/heart compliance?

Answer 5

Ability for the flow to pass through or for the blood reservoir to fill