Double-outlet right ventricle means both big arteries start from the right pumping chamber, so oxygen-rich and poor blood mix before leaving the heart. The result is early, loud symptoms that grow with the baby.
Blue color is the first clue. Lips, tongue, or fingertips look dusky or deep purple, especially during feeding or crying.
Fast, labored breathing starts early. Babies breathe more quickly than normal and may grunt with each exhale.
Poor weight gain follows. Infants tire at the bottle, fall asleep mid-feed, and don’t add ounces like their peers.
Heart murmur is loud. A harsh, washing-machine sound is heard even without a stethoscope.
Sweating and cold hands appear during feeds. The body works overtime to move blood, so skin feels cool and damp.
Sudden deeper blue spells or fainting mean the blood flow is critically low—an alarm that the mix is not enough.
| Symptom | What You See | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Lips, tongue, fingers | During cry |
| Breath | Fast, grunt | Count rate |
| Weight | Slow gain, sleepy | Track ounces |
| Murmur | Loud machine | Stethoscope |
| Sweat | Cool, damp skin | During bottle |
| Spell | Deep blue faint | Call 911 |