Q. What is the hole in heart valve syndrome?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Hole in heart valve syndrome, or atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD), is a congenital disorder. It occurs when there is an abnormal connection between the upper chambers of the heart and its lower chambers. The hole allows oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart to mix with oxygen-rich blood from the left side, resulting in inefficient oxygen delivery throughout the body.
The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, bluish discoloration around lips and fingernails (due to inadequate oxygen levels), breathing difficulties during exertion or sleeping and chest pain on exertion.
Diagnosis may involve physical examination (including lung sounds), echocardiogram/ECG exams to observe changes in rhythm with respiration, chest X-ray films to assess size and shape of cardiac structures as well as pulmonary vessels’ condition and lab tests that measure hormone levels that report abnormal electrolyte levels related to cardiac function issues. Treatment includes medication such as diuretics for fluid retention in tissue; anticoagulants for prevention of blood clots; angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which slow down progression; beta-blockers that reduce pressure by reducing LV contractility & slowing HR; antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone etc., to regulate heart beat pattern; warfarin which prevents strokes by preventing clot formation within chamber walls ; surgical repair where possible.
Some lifestyle modifications like reduction or elimination of salt intake , improved diet rich in potassium through fruits & vegetables along with exercise can further help manage AVCD related symptoms. In cases where surgery isn’t feasible due long term medical complications or advanced age then good post operative management is required for life long monitoring & care involving regular follow up examinations & medications prescribed accordingly .