A normal human heart is located on the left side of the chest. In dextrocardia (dextrocardia), the heart is on the right side of the chest. Generally occurs since the baby is born or congenital conditions.
In dextrocardia it is possible that other organs such as the liver and spleen are also located upside down. The opposite condition that occurs, allows problems arise with these organs.
Often accompanied by other congenital abnormalities
Actually cases of dextrocardia are very rare, only one percent of the total number of babies born. Generally dextrocardia has no specific symptoms, the heart develops normally without interference, there are only differences in location. But in some cases, heart abnormalities can be found due to this abnormal location, even accompanied by abnormalities in other organs of the body.
Congenital heart disease that can accompany dextrocardia include abnormalities in the heart valves in the form of ventricular septal defects or ventricular septal defects (VSD), or swapping of blood vessels in the heart or TGA (transposition of great arteries).
Infants with dextrocardia have a risk of experiencing growth and development disorders. Dextrocardia can also affect liver function. As a result, babies with dextrocardia can develop jaundice.
Babies born with dextrocardia may not have spleen. So that the immune system is not as good as a normal baby and has a higher risk of infection. Because, the spleen is one of the main organs that works as the immune system.
Other risks that may arise in patients with dextrocardia are disorders of the respiratory tract, such as lung infections, and growth disorders due to lack of oxygen intake due to impaired cardiac function that accompanies dextrocardia.
Treatment for dextrocardia
Babies with dextrocardia do not show any symptoms. The condition of dextrocardia can be identified when X-rays, CT-Scan or MRI images are performed on the chest, with imaging results in the form of a heart in the right side of the chest.
Basically people with dextrocardia without complications, do not need special treatment. However, if there are abnormalities or other diseases that accompany the condition of dextrocardia, of course it must be treated. For example if there are congenital heart defects that accompany dextrocardia, surgery may be necessary.
Some drugs that can be given before surgery, including antibiotics to prevent and treat infections, blood pressure-lowering drugs, drugs that help pump the heart more strongly, drugs that ease the workload on the heart, and drugs that are diuretic. Every medical action and treatment given by a doctor will be considered as needed.
In the long run, people with dextrocardia can live normally. What needs to be considered is how to prevent various diseases that may arise. Consult your doctor regularly, so that your health condition is monitored.
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