Coronary artery anomaly (heart artery malformation)

About Coronary artery anomaly (heart artery malformation)

Malformations of the blood vessels that feed the heart that are present at birth (congenital). They occur in 1% of the population and are often associated with other congenital heart defects. This disorder accounts for 4%-15% of sudden cardiac deaths in young people. Symptoms may not be present until the early teen years depending on the location and severity of the defect. Sometimes the first indication something is wrong is a life threatening event such as a heart attack or abnormal beating of the heart. Some do not cause symptoms and are discovered at autopsy.

Symptoms

Irritability, poor feeding, delayed growth, breathing problems, abnormal sweating, wheezing, bluish skin (cyanosis), fainting, heart failure, sudden death.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be done. Tests to evaluate the function and structure of the heart and its blood vessels will be done.

Common tests: Cardiac catheterization, cardiac event monitor, CT angiogram, Echocardiogram, EKG, MR angiogram, MRI, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy depends on the severity of the abnormality and the age of the child. Treatments include: blood pressure medications, water pills, and oxygen. Surgery may be necessary as well. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573. American Heart Association: (800)242-8721

Medical specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery · Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Coronary artery anomaly (heart artery malformation).