Congenital Heart Defects

Question 1

When should we suspect for congenital heart defects?

Answer 1

Suspect with any body congenital defects e.g.- cleft lip/palate

Question 2

What are some examples of congenital heart defects?

Answer 2

Atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and great vessel malformations

Question 3

When does cyanosis exist?

Answer 3

Cyanosis exists when there is 5d/dl or more of deoxygenated Hb in the blood

Question 4

What is the cause of central cyanosis?

Answer 4

Congenital heart disease

Question 5

What is the differences in central and periphery cyanosis?

Answer 5

Central- congenital heart disease, poor oxygenation of the blood, deoxygenated and oxygenated mixing
Periphery- due to cold environment, slow circulation takes more oxygen out of the haemoglobin in the colder tissues

Question 6

How does central cyanosis present?

Answer 6

Warm body tissues go blue- tongue easiest to see

Question 7

How does peripheral cyanosis present?

Answer 7

Cold extremities
Vascular spasms- Raynaud’s disease

Question 8

Which congenital heart defect has a low endocarditis risk (excluding IVDA patients) and most remain undefected throughout life?

Answer 8

Atrial septal defects

Question 9

Are atrial septal defects usually cyanotic or non-cyanotic?

Answer 9

Usually non-cyanotic

Question 10

Which has a higher endocarditis and long term heart failure risk. Atrial or ventricular septal defects?

Answer 10

Ventricular septal defects

Question 11

Where is the commonest ventricular septal defect found?

Answer 11

In the muscle between the ventricles

Question 12

Are ventricular defects usually cyanotic or non-cyanotic?

Answer 12

Non-cyanotic