Congenital heart diseases are structural heart defects that are present at birth. These defects can be classified into two main categories - cyanotic and acyanotic. The primary difference lies in the oxygen levels in the blood and the resulting symptoms due to that. Read this guide to know more about them.
Here is an overview of cyanotic and acyanotic heart disease that one needs to know about:
Features | Cyanotic Heart Disease | Acyanotic Heart Disease |
Oxygen Levels | Low (hypoxia) | Normal |
Cyanosis | Present | Absent |
Blood Flow Direction | Right-to-Left Shunt | Left-to-Right Shunt |
Common Conditions | Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of Great Arteries | VSD, ASD, PDA |
Treatment | Oxygen Therapy, Surgical Condition | Observation or Surgical intervention, if required. Some require medical management for heart failure (diuretics, ACE inhibitors). Some defects (e.g., critical AS, CoA) require urgent intervention (surgery or catheterization) |
Cyanotic heart disease refers to conditions where blood flow through the lungs, but deoxygenated blood mixes with oxygenated blood before entering the systemic circulation, sometimes it completely bypasses the lungs. It leads to reduced oxygen levels in the body.
Here is an overview of a few symptoms of cyanotic heart disease:
Acyanotic heart disease refers to defects that do not significantly reduce oxygen levels in blood but lead to other circulatory issues.
Here is an overview of a few symptoms of acyanotic heart disease:
Cyanotic and acyanotic heart diseases differ primarily in blood oxygen levels and symptom presentation. While cyanotic conditions cause visible bluish discolouration due to low oxygen, acyanotic defects maintain normal oxygenation but may strain the heart. Understanding these differences aids in the timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of congenital heart conditions.
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