Causes & Risk Factors Of Tetralogy Of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect with four major problems: pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. With pulmonary stenosis, blood has difficulty exiting the right ventricle, and a ventricular septal defect creates a hole between the left and right ventricle. When there is right ventricular hypertrophy, the ventricular muscle is thickened, and an overriding aorta is an aorta placed in the wrong position. The aorta develops on the left ventricle instead of the right and makes oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mix. The causes of Tetralogy of Fallot are not really known. However, medical professionals believe there are some potential causes and risk factors for it.

Heart Abnormalities During Fetal Development

The heart is responsible for pumping blood through your body. It beats up to 100,000 times per day and circulates five thousand gallons of blood to every part of your body. It is responsible for sending deoxygenated blood to your lungs where it gets rid of carbon dioxide. When there is a heart defect present, it affects the way the internal organs and circulatory system process blood. The most common varieties of heart defects are formed during fetal development. Besides, Tetralogy of Fallot infants may develop hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia, and anomalous pulmonary venous return.

Heart abnormalities during fetal development affect the septum, heart valves, arteries, and veins. A child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has an underdeveloped heart that does not pump blood properly. Many infants require open heart surgery, and a transplant to correct this condition. Pulmonary atresia is a condition where the pulmonary valve is not fully developed and does not allow blood to reach the lungs. Anomalous pulmonary venous return is a condition where the veins that transport blood back and forth to the lungs and heart are formed abnormally.

Poor Prenatal Diet

A poor prenatal diet may the reason for Tetralogy of Fallot forming in infants too. If the mother does not eat a balanced diet and get all of her necessary nutrients, the baby has a greater risk of heart defects. When pregnant, make sure you consume macronutrients, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. You should also add micronutrients in your diet that consist of essential fatty acids and folates. Although not eating right will cause heart disorders, your baby will be susceptible to other health conditions such as a cleft palate or gastroschisis.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers should also avoid physical, emotional, and mental stress. A healthy diet and lifestyle will drastically reduce the chance of an infant developing heart defects. It is believed eating a Mediterranean diet helps with maintaining the fetus and mother’s health while pregnant. A Mediterranean diet consists of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. It also contains healthy fats, such as olive and canola oils.

Advanced Maternal Age

Becoming pregnant at an advanced maternal age can have a significant impact on the health of an infant. The risk of complications during pregnancy rises, and so does the chance of congenital disabilities. Besides the possibility of developing Tetralogy of Fallot, an infant is at an increased risk of being born with down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome is a genetic chromosomal disorder that alters development and intellectual capabilities. Children with this condition have low muscle tone, upward slanted eyes, and stunted growth. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects your child’s ability to communicate effectively.

Risk factors for expectant mothers include elevated blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, placental problems, and preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes can develop when placental hormones cause blood sugar to rise. There is also a possibility of placental problems that cause vaginal bleeding and premature labor. The chances of preeclampsia increases and causes abnormal swelling, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure. You may gain weight quickly, experience abdominal pain, and have severe headaches.

Diabetes

If you have high glucose levels and become pregnant, the chance of your baby developing Tetralogy of Fallot is extremely high. During pregnancy, avoid high glucose levels and monitor your sugar levels every day. Keep your blood sugar at a normal range and visit your physician while pregnant. Consuming balanced meals and incorporating physical activity into your routine will encourage a healthy pregnancy.

When pregnant, avoid alcohol and stop smoking. Both harm you, and your baby’s health and can increase the risk of congenital disabilities. Before becoming pregnant, check your blood glucose levels daily. Tracking blood sugar keeps you informed of the number of ketones in your body and how much insulin you need. If you have ketones in your blood, it means your body is using an excessive amount of fat and energy. It is imperative to stay in contact with your physician and monitor you and your infant’s progress if you are pregnant and have this condition.

Maternal Alcoholism

Maternal alcoholism is a major factor in the development of Tetralogy of Fallot. Alcoholism is a dependency on alcohol that is uncontrollable and creates a constant craving for this substance. When the fetus is developing, introducing alcohol into the body causes serious heart defects. Alcohol is passed directly to the baby through the umbilical cord and prevents the fetuses internal organs forming.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to the infant's premature death, brain damage, low birth weight, and stillbirth. It is also the reason for fetal alcohol syndrome and disorders that include abnormal facial features, hyperactivity, poor memory, and vision problems. The effects of maternal alcoholism may increase the chance of intellectual disabilities, low reasoning, and hearing issues. Alcohol can affect a child’s entire lifetime and bring on problems in school and judgment abilities.