What is Tetralogy of Fallot?
Tetralogy of Fallot is a birth defect that results in abnormal blood flow through the heart. Tetralogy of Fallot has four key features: 1) a ventricular septal defect, which is a hole in the wall that separates the ventricles; 2) pulmonary stenosis, which is an obstruction in blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs; 3) an overriding aorta, in which the opening to the aorta communicates with the ventricular septal defect; and 4) right ventricular hypertrophy, which is a thickened and enlarged right ventricle. The abnormal blood flow results in low oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot?
The most common symptom of Tetralogy of Fallot is cyanosis: the lips, nails or skin become blue, caused by low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Additional symptoms include fussiness and difficulty breathing.

How does the doctor treat Tetralogy of Fallot?
Treatment for Tetralogy of Fallot includes multiple surgical procedures to correct the heart defects.