Category Archives: Cardiovascular Surgery

Main Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation is a pinch or kink in the main artery just after it leaves the heart. Blood can’t reach the lower body easily, so the heart pumps harder and the arms get the lion’s share of flow. High blood pressure in the arms is the classic clue. A cuff reading may be 150/90 mmHg while the ankles feel barely there. Leg pain or cramping shows up with activity. Kids complain of “ Charlie horses ” in the calves after running or climbing stairs. Cold or pale feet are common. Socks feel damp and cool even when the rest of the... Learn more

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  1. Main Symptoms of Aortopulmonary Septal Defect
  2. Main Symptoms of Ebstein Anomaly
  3. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
  4. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Atresia
  5. Main Symptoms of Cor Triatriatum
  6. Main Symptoms of Aortic Regurgitation

Main Symptoms of Aortic Regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation means the aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, so blood leaks backward into the heart. The heart compensates by pumping harder, but over time the extra workload shows up in everyday activities. Pounding pulse is the first clue. You feel your heart beat in your neck, head, or even your ears when you lie down. Fatigue creeps in. Legs feel heavy, and you need to rest after light chores that used to be easy. Shortness of breath appears with activity. You can’t finish a sentence while walking or have to pause on stairs. Night-time cough or wheezing shows up.... Learn more

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  1. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
  2. Main Symptoms of Aortic Dissection
  3. Main Symptoms of Interrupted Aortic Arch
  4. Main Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect
  5. Main Symptoms of Aortopulmonary Septal Defect
  6. Main Symptoms of Cor Triatriatum

Main Symptoms of Interrupted Aortic Arch

Interrupted aortic arch is a birth defect where the aorta is completely split, so blood to the lower body must detour through a small vessel that soon closes. Symptoms start in the first days of life and snowball fast. Gray or blue color is the first clue. Babies look ashen, especially the lower half, and lips can turn dusky when they cry. Fast, labored breathing is constant. The infant uses more breaths per minute and may grunt with each exhale. Weak or absent pulses show up in the legs. You can feel a good pulse in the arm, but the... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. Main Symptoms of Aortic Dissection
  2. Main Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect
  3. Main Symptoms of Ebstein Anomaly
  4. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
  5. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Atresia
  6. Main Symptoms of Cor Triatriatum

Main Symptoms of Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a tear inside the main artery of the body. Blood slips between the layers and can split the wall open, so symptoms strike fast and hard. Sudden chest pain is the hallmark. It feels like a ripping or tearing knife that shoots through to the back between the shoulder blades. Pain can migrate. As the tear moves downward, the ache can travel into the neck, jaw, belly, or lower back. Blood pressure is often high on one arm and low on the other. The difference can be 20 mmHg or more. Shortness of breath is common. You... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. Main Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect
  2. Main Symptoms of Aortopulmonary Septal Defect
  3. Main Symptoms of Ebstein Anomaly
  4. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
  5. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Atresia
  6. Main Symptoms of Cor Triatriatum

Main Symptoms of Cor Triatriatum

Cor triatriatum is a rare birth defect where the left upper heart chamber is split in two by a thin membrane. Blood must squeeze through a small hole, so symptoms start early and get louder as the hole shrinks. Fast breathing is the first clue. Babies breathe more quickly than normal, especially during feeding or crying. Poor weight gain follows. Infants tire at the bottle, fall asleep mid-feed, and don’t add ounces like their peers. Sweating is common. The forehead and upper lip bead with sweat, even when the room is cool. Heart murmur is loud. A harsh, washing-machine sound... Learn more

Related articles：

  1. Main Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect
  2. Main Symptoms of Aortopulmonary Septal Defect
  3. Main Symptoms of Ebstein Anomaly
  4. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
  5. Main Symptoms of Tricuspid Atresia
  6. Main Symptoms of Macromastia