The Ebstein anomaly is an extremely uncommon birth abnormality that affects the heart (congenital). The heart’s tricuspid valve is misplaced and its leaflets, or flaps, are misshapen if you have this problem. This directly impacts the valve’s ability to perform its intended purpose. If you do not exhibit any of the signs or symptoms that are often linked with the Ebstein anomaly, then routine monitoring of your heart function may be all that is required. If the signs and symptoms are bothersome to you or if your heart is expanding or becoming weaker, you might have yourself assessed and evaluated by Cardiologist Doctors. At Doral Health and Wellness, the Best Cardiologist Doctors are available and experts in the field of pediatric and interventional cardiology.
It’s possible that blood could seep again through the valve, reducing the effectiveness of your heart’s pumping action. The Ebstein abnormality has also been linked to an enlarged heart and heart failure in some patients. The severity of Ebstein’s anomaly can range from minor to severe depending on the individual. This disease affects newborns, approximately one in every 10,000 births.
Symptoms
A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails are the most typical manifestation of Ebstein’s abnormality in very young children, such as newborns and infants (cyanosis). When the condition is particularly severe, the infant can have problems breathing.
The following symptoms may be present in adolescents and older children:
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Bloating
- A hacking cough
- Slower growth
- Increased weariness
- An unsteady rhythm of the heart
- A rapid rate of heartbeat
Causes
It is a congenital heart defect known as the Ebstein anomaly if it is inborn. No clear explanation exists for why this is occurring.
Diagnosis
A doctor may detect heart disease even in the absence of symptoms if abnormal heart sounds are heard during a regular physical examination.
A heart murmur, or any other abnormal heart sound, is usually not serious. If your child’s primary care physician suspects a heart problem, they will most likely send you to a cardiologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Among many possible tests your doctor may suggest, you may want to consider:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Electrodes on your chest and arms pick up and record your heart rate. If there are issues with your heart’s rhythm or structure, an ECG can help show them. Remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is a feature available on several mobile devices, including smartwatches. Inquire about this possibility with your medical provider.
- Holter recording
While away from the clinic, your doctor may have you wear a portable ECG gadget called a Holter monitor. It monitors the electrical activity of your heart for a day or two while you go about your regular routine.
- Echocardiogram
It is possible to get high-resolution pictures of your heart with this test thanks to the utilization of sound waves. This demonstrates the tricuspid valve’s anatomy and the heart’s pumping action.
- Transesophageal echocardiography
This test can give a clear picture of your heart because it is so close to your esophagus.
- Diagnostic imaging of the chest
An X-ray of the chest provides an image of the cardiovascular system. To the extent that your heart is enlarged, it can reveal that to your doctor.
- Heart MRI Scans
The heart can be imaged with great detail using magnetic fields and radio waves in a cardiac MRI. Your doctor should be able to obtain a good look at your tricuspid valve with the help of this test. A physician can evaluate the dimensions and activity of your heart wall with this test.
- Analyzing blood oxygen levels via the pulse
You’ll have a sensor placed on your finger or toe, and the reading will indicate how much oxygen is present in your blood.
- Treadmill Stress Test
While you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, your vital signs will be recorded and analyzed. Your heart’s reaction to exercise can be measured with a stress test. As a result, your doctor will have a better idea of how much exercise is appropriate for you.
- Research on Electrical Activity in the Brain (EP)
The doctor will map the electrical impulses in your heart.
- Arrhythmia can be induced or terminated using electrodes to stimulate the heart at varying speeds.
- Catheterization of the heart
Your physician can evaluate whether there are any problems in your heart and lungs by measuring pressure and oxygen levels during the test.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
The extent of the child’s anomaly should be considered while deciding on a treatment plan. When it comes to managing symptoms, medication alone may be all that’s needed for kids with modest anomalies.
- causes of heart failure are fluid retention and heart failure
- irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- increased or decreased heart rate
Occasionally, a treatment called radiofrequency catheter ablation is necessary to treat heart arrhythmias in children when medications fail to do so.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery can correct the tricuspid valve and other problems linked with Ebstein’s abnormality in your child’s heart. Examples of such methods are:
- The defective valve is reformed into a cone that expands and shuts during the cone treatment, and excess tissues on the large right side of the heart are curled up.
- To repair a tricuspid valve, surgeons typically relocate the valve and reshape its leaflets.
- If a child’s tricuspid valve is too deformed to be fixed, a robotic valve or a bioprosthetic valve (produced from human or animal tissue) will need to be implanted in its place.
- When the right ventricle is too small, bidirectional Glenn surgery may be necessary.
Arrhythmias in children who are too young for catheter ablation are often handled during operations.
Our Doral Health Specialists can help your family member on diagnosing and treating cardiologic conditions. If your child is experiencing symptoms similar to Ebstein’s Anomaly, you can seek help from our Best Cardiologist Brooklyn at Doral Health and Wellness. To reach out to Doral Health and Wellness, you can take a bus, train, or skyway to locate the area. The address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. Please book an appointment with us at 1-347-384-5690 or you might visit our website at https://cardiologistbrooklyn.com/.
