Symptoms Of Tetralogy Of Fallot

Clubbed Fingers And Toes

The fingers and toes of a patient with tetralogy of Fallot may not only be blue but clubbed as well. Clubbed fingers and toes are a sign there is something wrong with the person’s heart or lungs. No one knows why the fingers and toes of individuals with heart and lung problems get a clubbed look. Some claim it’s the result of blood vessels becoming dilated or the body secreting growth factors made in the lungs. Sometimes clubbing isn’t apparent, but a test called Schamroh’s test can discover it. The same fingers of the hands are placed together nail to nail, where there should be a tiny, diamond-shaped window between them. If it’s not present, the individual's fingers are clubbed.

Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath is when the patient feels they can’t get enough breath and struggles to breathe. Like the other symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot, this is due to low oxygen levels in the body. Interestingly, one way to ease the feeling of breathlessness is for the patient to squat if they are old enough to do so. Squatting works especially well if the shortness of breath has been caused by exertion. The position allows more oxygen to get into the blood because the pressure is temporarily increased in the left ventricle and the aorta, allowing more blood to flow through the pulmonary artery and into the lungs.