Congenital Heart Lesions

Tetralogy of Fallot

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Signs and symptoms of deterioration

  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Edema

If you are considered "cyanotic"

  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain

When you frequently experience one of these signs and symptoms, call your cardiologist as soon as possible.

Exercise recommendations

Check with your cardiologist for your specific restrictions.

Endocarditis recommendations

Antibiotics are needed for life before particular dental, gastro, and genito-urinary procedures.

You should always maintain good oral hygiene in order to prevent infection.

Pregnancy and contraception

Pregnancy carries morbidity and mortality risks. The risks depend on your clinical status.

A pre-conception cardiology counseling with your congenital heart disease cardiologist is necessary and very important.

Risks of transmission

Normal population 1%
1 child affected 2%
2 children affected 15%
3 children affected 50%
Mother with malformation Up to 15%
Father with malformation Up to 12%
Marfan’s Syndrome, bicuspid valves Up to 50%

These numbers are approximate. A fetal echocardiogram is recommended between the 18th and the 20th week of pregnancy to detect possible cardiac malformations in the baby.

The risk of transmission varies according to the family history In case of doubts, a consultation with a geneticist is recommended in order to precisely calculate the risks and to make specific recommendations

Prepared by: Marie-Joëlle Boucher et. Scinf., Nathalie Comtois Rn, BSc