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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Atrioventricular Canal (AV Canal) Defect
Introduction
Atrioventricular canal (AV canal) defect is a congenital heart condition that affects the structure of the heart’s chambers and valves. It is a significant defect that can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
What is AV Canal Defect?
AV canal defect involves a defect in the central part of the heart, where the atria (upper chambers) and ventricles (lower chambers) are not properly separated.
Types of AV Canal Defect:
- Complete AV Canal Defect: A large hole in the center of the heart involving both atria and ventricles and affecting the valves.
- Partial AV Canal Defect: A hole between the atria and abnormalities in the mitral valve.
Causes and Risk Factors
The condition is congenital, meaning it is present at birth. It is more commonly seen in babies with genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Risk Factors:
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Maternal illnesses during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, diabetes)
- Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy
Symptoms
Symptoms often depend on the severity of the defect and may include: - Difficulty breathing - Poor feeding and slow weight gain - Cyanosis (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen) - Frequent lung infections - Heart murmur (abnormal heart sound detected by a doctor)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves: - Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Chest X-ray - Cardiac catheterization (in some cases)
Treatment
- Surgical repair is the only definitive treatment.
- Surgery typically involves closing the holes and reconstructing the heart valves.
- Medications (e.g., diuretics) may be used to manage symptoms before surgery.
Outlook & Long-Term Care
With successful surgery, most children can lead normal lives, but they may need long-term cardiac monitoring.
Conclusion
AV canal defect is a serious congenital heart condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Advances in surgery have greatly improved outcomes for affected children.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.