What Causes Tetralogy of Fallot?
Doctors don't know what causes most cases of
tetralogy of Fallot and other
congenital
heart defects.
Having some conditions or factors during pregnancy
may raise your risk for having a child with tetralogy of Fallot. These
conditions and factors include:
- German measles (rubella) and some other viral
illnesses
- Poor nutrition
- Overuse of alcohol
- Age (being older than 40)
- Diabetes
Heredity may play a role in this heart defect. An
adult with tetralogy of Fallot may have an increased chance of having a baby
with this defect.
Children with genetic disorders, such as Down
syndrome and
DiGeorge syndrome, often have congenital heart defects,
including tetralogy of Fallot.
Scientists continue to search for the causes of
tetralogy of Fallot and other congenital heart defects. |