Cyanotic heart defect history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in-Chief: Keri Shafer, M.D. [2]; Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[3]

Overview

History and Symptoms

Symptoms of cyanotic heart disease due to increase blood viscosity( excess erythrocytosis)

Headache
Poor concentration
Some heart defects cause major problems right after birth. Others cause few, if any, problems until adulthood.
One symptom is cyanosis, which usually seen as a bluish color of the lips, fingers, and toes. It may occur while the child is resting, or only when the child is active.
Some children have breathing problems (dyspnea). They may get into a squatting position after physical activity to relieve breathlessness.
Others have spells, in which their bodies are suddenly starved of oxygen. During these spells, symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Breathing too quickly (hyperventilation)
- Sudden increase in bluish color to the skin
- Infants may get tired or sweat while feeding and may not gain as much weight as they should.
- Fainting (syncope) and chest pain may occur.
Other symptoms depend on the type of cyanotic heart disease, and may include:
Feeding problems or reduced appetite, leading to poor growth
- Grayish skin
- Puffy eyes or face
- Tiredness all the time

References

Overview