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Cardiology | by Dr. Shuvo Dutta | Published on 29/08/2023
If you have been experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or dizziness, then it can be an indication of Eisenmenger syndrome. It is one of the conditions affecting the lung’s blood vessels and the heart’s right side. It is usually present at birth and requires on-time treatment. If it is left untreated, then it can lead to the risk of ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension.
In this blog, we will discuss comprehensively on this condition including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. However, kindly note that the information is for your reading purposes and doesn’t interrupt the consultation of a healthcare professional. You can book your appointment with BM Birla Heart Research Centre in Kolkata, the only cardiology hospital in the Eastern region. You will find the most experienced and highly qualified doctors here.
Eisenmenger syndrome is among the life-threatening conditions of an unrepaired heart issue present at birth, also known as congenital heart defect. In this condition, the patient experiences irregularity in the blood flow in the heart and lungs. It leads to stiffness and narrowness in the lung's blood vessels and blood pressure keeps increasing in the lungs’ arteries, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eisenmenger causes permanent damage to the lung’s blood vessels.
To prevent Eisenmenger syndrome, the only way is early diagnosis and congenital heart defects repair. There might be a need for frequent visits and medications when it comes to treatment if even after early diagnosis Eisenmenger develops. The treatment options help in improving the symptoms.
Eisenmenger syndrome symptoms might vary depending on the affected organs and heart condition. Symptoms don’t happen until the baby has hit puberty or are observed in adulthood. Later, they begin to get worse gradually, once they are noticed. Here are some of the often-experienced symptoms of Eisenmenger syndrome:
To understand the causes of Eisenmenger’s syndrome, it is important to understand how blood flows through the heart. A healthy heart is discussed below:
However, if there is a hole in the wall between heart ventricles or any structural defects, then there can be a mix-up of blood that is rich in oxygen and poor blood. As an outcome, additional blood flow to the lungs leads to pulmonary hypertension. Also. it will lead to blood flow to the body that is not rich in oxygen.
The healthcare provider will involve physical evaluation and questions about the medical history of the patient to confirm Eisenmenger’s syndrome diagnosis. Here are the tests often recommended to the patients:
The options for Eisenmenger syndrome treatment focus on improving the symptoms and averting any serious harm to the lungs or heart. Here are some of the options:
Eisenmenger syndrome is a condition that can be hazardous as it affects the lung’s blood vessels and the heart’s right side. Since, it is present at birth, untreated congenital heart defects can lead to high blood pressure. Symptoms often begin to hit the person during puberty or adulthood. It is important to be aware of the symptoms like exercise intolerance, heart palpitations, cyanosis, etc. Getting in touch with the best cardiologist can go a long way. Taking professional help on time can relieve the symptoms. Make sure not to take the condition lightly and take the necessary steps recommended by your doctor.
Eisenmenger syndrome’s symptoms usually develop during puberty or early adulthood.
No, Eisenmenger syndrome is not hereditary and doesn’t run in families.
Yes, Eisenmenger syndrome is a complex condition and should be treated on time. If left untreated, it can cause ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension.
