What is intra cardiac shunt?

An intracardiac shunt is an abnormal opening in the heart that allows blood to flow between the chambers of the heart that normally don't connect. Intracardiac shunts can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop later in life), caused by conditions like trauma or infection. Depending on the location and size of the shunt, it can cause a range of symptoms, including: Breathlessness, fatigue, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and lips due to low oxygen levels), rapid heart rate, chest pain, and murmurs( abnormal heart sounds).

Types of intracardiac shunts:

1.Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): ASD is an opening in the atrial septum separating the upper chambers of the heart (left and right atria) permitting oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix. This common congenital heart defect can range from small and causing no symptoms to larger, leading to shortness of breath, fatigue and other complications.

2.Ventricular Septal Defect(VSD): VSD is an opening in the ventricular septum separating the lower chambers of the heart (left and right ventricles).VSD can also range in size and severity of symptoms. Significant VSDs can lead to heart failure and other health concerns without proper treatment.

3.Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): PDA is a normal opening between the aorta (main artery) and pulmonary (lung) artery that usually closes shortly after birth. In case it remains open , oxygenated blood from the aorta can flow in the pulmonary artery causing extra work for the heart and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

4.Atrioventricular Septal Defect(AVSD): AVSD is a combination of ASD and VSD, involving a common opening between the chambers on both the atrial and ventricular level. AVSDs are complex heart defects that can cause a mix of symptoms from breathing difficulties during infancy to lifelong health problems.

5.Tetrology of Fallot: This is a combination of four heart defects, including VSD, pulmonary stenosis(narrowing of pulmonary valve or passage), overriding aorta(aorta positioned above both ventricles) and right ventricular hypertrophy(enlargement of the right ventricle). Tetrology of Fallot causes cyanosis and breathing difficulties and often requires surgeries to correct the abnormal anatomy.

Intracardiac shunts are diagnosed through various methods, including echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), chest x ray and cardiac MRI. Treatment options for intracardiac shunts range from medication and monitoring for small defects to surgical intervention for larger more severe ones. The exact approach depends on factors like the individual's overall health, shunt location and size, and the symptoms experienced.