Does tetralogy of Fallot run in families?

TOF does not typically run in families, but congenital heart defects in general are slightly more common if there is a close relative with any kind of congenital heart defect.

How do you explain tetralogy of Fallot to parents?

Tetralogy of Fallot (fah-LO) is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. In tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), four related heart defects change the way blood flows to the lungs and through the heart. TOF is repaired through open-heart surgery soon after birth or later in infancy.

Is tetralogy of Fallot hereditary?

For the majority of individuals with tetralogy of Fallot, there has been no identified genetic cause. Some individuals may have other birth defects and/or health issues, in addition to TOF, that may be part of a genetic syndrome. In these instances, a few causative genes have been identified.

How do you explain tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot (pronounced te-tral-uh-jee of Fal-oh) is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. It happens when a baby’s heart does not form correctly as the baby grows and develops in the mother’s womb during pregnancy.

Can tetralogy of Fallot be detected before birth?

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that can be diagnosed either before or after a baby is born.

Is Tetralogy of Fallot a disability?

Congenital heart disease comes in many forms, with some presenting serious limitations for the patient and others being barely noticeable. If your type of congenital heart disease is so severe that you are unable to work, you may be able to get disability benefits from Social Security (SSDI or SSI).

What is the medical definition of tetralogy of Fallot?

Medical Definition of tetralogy of Fallot. : a congenital abnormality of the heart characterized by pulmonary stenosis, an opening in the interventricular septum, malposition of the aorta over both ventricles, and hypertrophy of the right ventricle.

Can a child with Down syndrome have tetralogy of Fallot?

In most children, the cause of tetralogy of Fallot isn’t known. It’s a common type of heart defect. It may be seen more commonly in children with Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome. Some children can have other heart defects along with tetralogy of Fallot. How does it affect the heart?

How are shunts used to treat tetralogy of Fallot?

One provides temporary improvement by a shunt to give more blood flow to the lungs. The other is a complete repair of the two most important abnormalities that make up tetralogy of Fallot. Patients might have one or both surgeries in their lifetime. In some patients, a shunt operation may be done first to provide more blood flow to the lungs.

What kind of Doctor do you see for Tetralogy of Fallot?

If your child has tetralogy of Fallot, a pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon may be involved in his or her care. A pediatric cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children. Cardiac surgeons repair heart defects using surgery.