Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart problem which results in blood that is low in oxygen being pumped throughout the body. This can cause babies to be slightly blue in color, also known as cyanosis.
Defects Identification
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart problem that is the result of four separate problems with the heart, the American Heart Association explains. Patients with this condition have a hole connecting the ventricles of the heart and also have narrowed pulmonary arteries. In addition, the aorta is shifted so that it lies over the hole in the ventricles and the right ventricle of the heart is enlarged.
Genetics
Genetics appears to play a role in the development of this birth defect, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. Babies born to parents with this heart defect are more likely to have it. In addition, certain genetic disorders, such as Down's syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of having tetralogy of Fallot.
Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that can increase a pregnant mother's chances of having a baby with tetralogy of Fallot including poor nutrition and contracting certain viral illnesses during pregnancy such as rubella or measles. In addition, women who are pregnant after the age of 40 have a greater risk of having a child with this disorder.
