A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the ventricles, which are the two lower chambers of the heart. If the hole is large, this may make the heart and lungs work harder and may cause fluid to build up in the lungs. Learn more about ventricular septal defects.
Heart anatomic view of right ventricle and right atrium with example ventricular septal defects
Image by Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist
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Depiction of a child with Congenital Heart Disease
Image by https://www.myupchar.com/en
Depiction of a child with Congenital Heart Disease
Depiction of a child with Congenital Heart Disease. Ventricular Septal defect has been illustrated.
Image by https://www.myupchar.com/en
What Is a Ventricular Septal Defect?
A ventricular septal defect happens during pregnancy if the wall that forms between the two ventricles does not fully develop, leaving a hole. A ventricular septal defect is one type of congenital heart defect. Congenital means present at birth.
In a baby without a congenital heart defect, the right side of the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs, and the left side of the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
In babies with a ventricular septal defect, blood often flows from the left ventricle through the ventricular septal defect to the right ventricle and into the lungs. This extra blood being pumped into the lungs forces the heart and lungs to work harder. Over time, if not repaired, this defect can increase the risk for other complications, including heart failure, high blood pressure in the lungs (called pulmonary hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (called arrhythmia), or stroke.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (8)
Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect and Truncus Arteriosus (Lan Nguyen, MD)
Video by Houston Methodist DeBakey CV Education/YouTube
Ventricular septal defect | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) - an Osmosis Preview
Video by Osmosis/YouTube
Haitian Baby Undergoes Surgery for Ventricular Septal Defect at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
The Structure of a Heart with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
14:34
Hole in the heart babies, or Foetal adaptations of the heart
Sam Webster/YouTube
4:01
Congenital Heart Disease: Tetralogy of Fallot, Animation
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Heart Defects
Sensitive content
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Hearts of strength - Shows off his scar after having multiple open heart surgeries due to hypoplastic left heart surgery.
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Michael S. Murphy
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This media may include sensitive content
Hearts of strength - Shows off his scar after having multiple open heart surgeries due to hypoplastic left heart surgery.
Jack Kramer, 3, shows off his scar at his home in North Beach, Md., Feb. 27, 2018. Jack received his scar after having multiple open heart surgeries due to hypoplastic left heart surgery. Jack calls the scar his “zipper.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Michael S. Murphy)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Michael S. Murphy
Human Heart - Heart Defects
Heart: Heart Defects
One very common form of interatrial septum pathology is patent foramen ovale, which occurs when the septum primum does not close at birth, and the fossa ovalis is unable to fuse. The word patent is from the Latin root patens for “open.” It may be benign or asymptomatic, perhaps never being diagnosed, or in extreme cases, it may require surgical repair to close the opening permanently. As much as 20–25 percent of the general population may have a patent foramen ovale, but fortunately, most have the benign, asymptomatic version. Patent foramen ovale is normally detected by auscultation of a heart murmur (an abnormal heart sound) and confirmed by imaging with an echocardiogram. Despite its prevalence in the general population, the causes of patent ovale are unknown, and there are no known risk factors. In nonlife-threatening cases, it is better to monitor the condition than to risk heart surgery to repair and seal the opening.
Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital abnormal narrowing of the aorta that is normally located at the insertion of the ligamentum arteriosum, the remnant of the fetal shunt called the ductus arteriosus. If severe, this condition drastically restricts blood flow through the primary systemic artery, which is life threatening. In some individuals, the condition may be fairly benign and not detected until later in life. Detectable symptoms in an infant include difficulty breathing, poor appetite, trouble feeding, or failure to thrive. In older individuals, symptoms include dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, headache, and nosebleeds. Treatment involves surgery to resect (remove) the affected region or angioplasty to open the abnormally narrow passageway. Studies have shown that the earlier the surgery is performed, the better the chance of survival.
A patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital condition in which the ductus arteriosus fails to close. The condition may range from severe to benign. Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close results in blood flowing from the higher pressure aorta into the lower pressure pulmonary trunk. This additional fluid moving toward the lungs increases pulmonary pressure and makes respiration difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), tachycardia, enlarged heart, a widened pulse pressure, and poor weight gain in infants. Treatments include surgical closure (ligation), manual closure using platinum coils or specialized mesh inserted via the femoral artery or vein, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to block the synthesis of prostaglandin E2, which maintains the vessel in an open position. If untreated, the condition can result in congestive heart failure.
Septal defects are not uncommon in individuals and may be congenital or caused by various disease processes. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital condition that may also occur from exposure to unknown environmental factors; it occurs when there is an opening in the interventricular septum caused by blockage of the pulmonary trunk, normally at the pulmonary semilunar valve. This allows blood that is relatively low in oxygen from the right ventricle to flow into the left ventricle and mix with the blood that is relatively high in oxygen. Symptoms include a distinct heart murmur, low blood oxygen percent saturation, dyspnea or difficulty in breathing, polycythemia, broadening (clubbing) of the fingers and toes, and in children, difficulty in feeding or failure to grow and develop. It is the most common cause of cyanosis following birth. The term “tetralogy” is derived from the four components of the condition, although only three may be present in an individual patient: pulmonary infundibular stenosis (rigidity of the pulmonary valve), overriding aorta (the aorta is shifted above both ventricles), ventricular septal defect (opening), and right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the right ventricle). Other heart defects may also accompany this condition, which is typically confirmed by echocardiography imaging. Tetralogy of Fallot occurs in approximately 400 out of one million live births. Normal treatment involves extensive surgical repair, including the use of stents to redirect blood flow and replacement of valves and patches to repair the septal defect, but the condition has a relatively high mortality. Survival rates are currently 75 percent during the first year of life; 60 percent by 4 years of age; 30 percent by 10 years; and 5 percent by 40 years.
In the case of severe septal defects, including both tetralogy of Fallot and patent foramen ovale, failure of the heart to develop properly can lead to a condition commonly known as a “blue baby.” Regardless of normal skin pigmentation, individuals with this condition have an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood, which leads to cyanosis, a blue or purple coloration of the skin, especially when active.
Septal defects are commonly first detected through auscultation, listening to the chest using a stethoscope. In this case, instead of hearing normal heart sounds attributed to the flow of blood and closing of heart valves, unusual heart sounds may be detected. This is often followed by medical imaging to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. In many cases, treatment may not be needed. Some common congenital heart defects are illustrated in Figure.
Figure. Congenital Heart Defects (a) A patent foramen ovale defect is an abnormal opening in the interatrial septum, or more commonly, a failure of the foramen ovale to close. (b) Coarctation of the aorta is an abnormal narrowing of the aorta. (c) A patent ductus arteriosus is the failure of the ductus arteriosus to close. (d) Tetralogy of Fallot includes an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum.
Source: CNX OpenStax
Additional Materials (7)
Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital Heart Defects
Image by TheVisualMD
Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)
Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
Understanding Congenital Heart Defects - Jumo Health
Video by Jumo Health/YouTube
Pediatric Nursing - Congenital Heart Defects: Coarctation of the Aorta, Pulmonary Stenosis...
Video by Level Up RN/YouTube
Congenital Heart Defects: Mayo Clinic Radio
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
What Causes Congenital Heart Defects? - Dr. Emile Bacha
Video by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/YouTube
5 Things You Need to Know about Congential Heart Defects
Learn important facts about congential heart defects in newborns.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Congenital Heart Defects
TheVisualMD
1:22
Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube
9:18
Understanding Congenital Heart Defects - Jumo Health
Jumo Health/YouTube
5:11
Pediatric Nursing - Congenital Heart Defects: Coarctation of the Aorta, Pulmonary Stenosis...
Level Up RN/YouTube
19:42
Congenital Heart Defects: Mayo Clinic Radio
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:42
What Causes Congenital Heart Defects? - Dr. Emile Bacha
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/YouTube
5 Things You Need to Know about Congential Heart Defects
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Septa of the Heart
Heart Cross Section Revealing Valve and Nerve
Image by TheVisualMD
Heart Cross Section Revealing Valve and Nerve
3D visualization based on scanned human data of a mid-coronal cut of the heart revealing the heart's nervous system. A natural pacemaker called the sinoatrial (SA) node is responsible for heart's natural cycle of rhythmic contractions. Embedding in the wall of the upper right atrium, it emits regular electrical pulses that race along nervelike cables through the atria, inducing them to contract. The signals pause slightly at a second node before branching left and right, subdividing into a network of modified muscles fibers in the walls of the ventricles.
Image by TheVisualMD
Septa of the Heart
The word septum is derived from the Latin for “something that encloses;” in this case, a septum (plural = septa) refers to a wall or partition that divides the heart into chambers. The septa are physical extensions of the myocardium lined with endocardium. Located between the two atria is the interatrial septum. Normally in an adult heart, the interatrial septum bears an oval-shaped depression known as the fossa ovalis, a remnant of an opening in the fetal heart known as the foramen ovale. The foramen ovale allowed blood in the fetal heart to pass directly from the right atrium to the left atrium, allowing some blood to bypass the pulmonary circuit. Within seconds after birth, a flap of tissue known as the septum primum that previously acted as a valve closes the foramen ovale and establishes the typical cardiac circulation pattern.
Between the two ventricles is a second septum known as the interventricular septum. Unlike the interatrial septum, the interventricular septum is normally intact after its formation during fetal development. It is substantially thicker than the interatrial septum, since the ventricles generate far greater pressure when they contract.
The septum between the atria and ventricles is known as the atrioventricular septum. It is marked by the presence of four openings that allow blood to move from the atria into the ventricles and from the ventricles into the pulmonary trunk and aorta. Located in each of these openings between the atria and ventricles is a valve, a specialized structure that ensures one-way flow of blood. The valves between the atria and ventricles are known generically as atrioventricular valves. The valves at the openings that lead to the pulmonary trunk and aorta are known generically as semilunar valves. The interventricular septum is visible in the figure below. In this figure, the atrioventricular septum has been removed to better show the bicupid and tricuspid valves; the interatrial septum is not visible, since its location is covered by the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Since these openings and valves structurally weaken the atrioventricular septum, the remaining tissue is heavily reinforced with dense connective tissue called the cardiac skeleton, or skeleton of the heart. It includes four rings that surround the openings between the atria and ventricles, and the openings to the pulmonary trunk and aorta, and serve as the point of attachment for the heart valves. The cardiac skeleton also provides an important boundary in the heart electrical conduction system.
Internal Structures of the Heart
This anterior view of the heart shows the four chambers, the major vessels and their early branches, as well as the valves. The presence of the pulmonary trunk and aorta covers the interatrial septum, and the atrioventricular septum is cut away to show the atrioventricular valves.
Source: CNX OpenStax
Additional Materials (1)
HCL Learning | Structure of the Human Heart
Video by HCL Learning/YouTube
2:34
HCL Learning | Structure of the Human Heart
HCL Learning/YouTube
How the Heart Works
Human Heart Displaying Aorta and Coronary Artery
Apolipoprotein B
Heart Cross Section Revealing Valve and Nerve
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3
Human Heart
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Human Heart Displaying Aorta and Coronary Artery
Apolipoprotein B
Heart Cross Section Revealing Valve and Nerve
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3
Human Heart
1) Human Heart Displaying Aorta and Coronary Artery - 3D visualization based on scanned human data of an anterior view of the heart.
2) Coronary Arteries - Your heart is a hollow, muscular organ whose only job is to pump blood throughout your body. Because every cell in your body must have a never-ending supply of oxygenated blood, your heart never sleeps. It beats about 100,000 times a day, pumping 6 qts of blood through the 65,000 miles of vessels that comprise your circulatory system, 3 times every minute.
3) Heart Cross Section Revealing Valve and Nerve - 3D visualization based on scanned human data of a mid-coronal cut of the heart revealing the heart's nervous system. A natural pacemaker called the sinoatrial (SA) node is responsible for heart's natural cycle of rhythmic contractions. Embedding in the wall of the upper right atrium, it emits regular electrical pulses that race along nervelike cables through the atria, inducing them to contract. The signals pause slightly at a second node before branching left and right, subdividing into a network of modified muscles fibers in the walls of the ventricles.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
How the Heart Works
The heart is an organ, about the size of a fist. It is made of muscle and pumps blood through the body. Blood is carried through the body in blood vessels, or tubes, called arteries and veins. The process of moving blood through the body is called circulation. Together, the heart and vessels make up the cardiovascular system.
Structure of the Heart
The heart has four chambers (two atria and two ventricles). There is a wall (septum) between the two atria and another wall between the two ventricles. Arteries and veins go into and out of the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood to the heart. The flow of blood through the vessels and chambers of the heart is controlled by valves.
Blood Flow Through the Heart
(Abbreviations refer to labels in the illustration)
The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body. Blood provides oxygen and nutrients to the body and removes carbon dioxide and wastes. As blood travels through the body, oxygen is used up, and the blood becomes oxygen poor.
Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body to the heart through the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC), the two main veins that bring blood back to the heart.
The oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium (RA), or the right upper chamber of the heart.
From there, the blood flows through the tricuspid valve (TV) into the right ventricle (RV), or the right lower chamber of the heart.
The right ventricle (RV) pumps oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary valve (PV) into the main pulmonary artery (MPA).
From there, the blood flows through the right and left pulmonary arteries into the lungs.
In the lungs, oxygen is put into the blood and carbon dioxide is taken out of the blood during the process of breathing. After the blood gets oxygen in the lungs, it is called oxygen-rich blood.
Oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs back into the left atrium (LA), or the left upper chamber of the heart, through four pulmonary veins.
Oxygen-rich blood then flows through the mitral valve (MV) into the left ventricle (LV), or the left lower chamber.
The left ventricle (LV) pumps the oxygen-rich blood through the aortic valve (AoV) into the aorta (Ao), the main artery that takes oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of the body.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (6)
The Heart and Circulatory System - How They Work
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
British Heart Foundation - How does a healthy heart work?
Video by British Heart Foundation/YouTube
Understanding Heart Valves and the Four Systems in the Heart
Video by American Heart Association/YouTube
Atrioventricular Nodes - Tracing the heartbeat
Sinoatrial Node - Tracing the heartbeat
Bundle Branches - Tracing the heartbeat
Purkinje fibers - Tracing the heartbeat
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Tracing the Heartbeat
1) Atrioventricular Nodes - A small nodular mass of specialized muscle fibers located in the interatrial septum near the opening of the coronary sinus. It gives rise to the atrioventricular bundle of the conduction system of the heart.
2) Sinoatrial Node - The small mass of modified cardiac muscle fibers located at the junction of the superior vena cava (VENA CAVA, SUPERIOR) and right atrium. Contraction impulses probably start in this node, spread over the atrium (HEART ATRIUM) and are then transmitted by the atrioventricular bundle (BUNDLE OF HIS) to the ventricle (HEART VENTRICLE).
3) Bundle of His - Small band of specialized CARDIAC MUSCLE fibers that originates in the ATRIOVENTRICULAR NODE and extends into the membranous part of the interventricular septum. The bundle of His, consisting of the left and the right bundle branches, conducts the electrical impulses to the HEART VENTRICLES in generation of MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTION.
4) Purkinje fibers - Modified cardiac muscle fibers composing the terminal portion of the heart conduction system.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Heart Cycle in Systole / Heart Cycle in Diastole
Heart Cycle
There are two phases of the cardiac cycle: systole and diastole. Diastole is the phase during which the heart relaxes, letting blood fill into the left and right atria. The ventricles fill with more and more blood until the pressure is great enough against the semilunar valves that they open, allowing the blood to enter the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Diastolic pressure is the blood pressure felt in your arteries between heart beats. Blood pressure is denoted as a fraction, with the systolic pressure being the top number. Blood pressure higher than the average of 120/80 enters the range of hypertension.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Heart Cycle in Systole / Heart Cycle in Diastole
Systole and Diastole
Systole - Period of contraction of the HEART, especially of the HEART VENTRICLES.
Diastole - Post-systolic relaxation of the HEART, especially the HEART VENTRICLES.
There are two phases of the cardiac cycle: systole and diastole. Systole is the phase during which the heart contracts, pushing blood out of the left and right ventricles, into the systemic and pulmonary circulation respectively. The ventricles fill with more and more blood until the pressure is great enough against the semilunar valves that they open, allowing the blood to enter the aorta and pulmonary trunk. Systolic pressure is the blood pressure felt in your arteries when your heart beats. Blood pressure is denoted as a fraction, with the systolic pressure being the top number. Blood pressure higher than the average of 120/80 enters the range of hypertension.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
3:01
The Heart and Circulatory System - How They Work
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:30
British Heart Foundation - How does a healthy heart work?
British Heart Foundation/YouTube
2:25
Understanding Heart Valves and the Four Systems in the Heart
American Heart Association/YouTube
Tracing the Heartbeat
TheVisualMD
Heart Cycle
TheVisualMD
Systole and Diastole
TheVisualMD
The Fetal Circulatory System
Developing Heart
Image by TheVisualMD
Developing Heart
Developing rapidly and early, the heart is the first organ to function in the embryo, and it takes up most of the room in the fetus's midsection in the first few weeks of its life. During its initial stages of development, the fetal heart actually resembles those of other animals. In its tubelike, two-chambered phase, the fetal heart resembles that of a fish. In its three-chambered phase, the heart looks like that of a frog. As the atria and then the ventricles start to separate, the human heart resembles that of a turtle, which has a partial septum in its ventricle. The final, four-chambered design is common to mammals and birds. The four chambers allow low-pressure circulation to the lungs and high pressure circulation to the rest of the body.
Image by TheVisualMD
The Fetal Circulatory System
During prenatal development, the fetal circulatory system is integrated with the placenta via the umbilical cord so that the fetus receives both oxygen and nutrients from the placenta. However, after childbirth, the umbilical cord is severed, and the newborn’s circulatory system must be reconfigured. When the heart first forms in the embryo, it exists as two parallel tubes derived from mesoderm and lined with endothelium, which then fuse together. As the embryo develops into a fetus, the tube-shaped heart folds and further differentiates into the four chambers present in a mature heart. Unlike a mature cardiovascular system, however, the fetal cardiovascular system also includes circulatory shortcuts, or shunts. A shunt is an anatomical (or sometimes surgical) diversion that allows blood flow to bypass immature organs such as the lungs and liver until childbirth.
The placenta provides the fetus with necessary oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical vein. (Remember that veins carry blood toward the heart. In this case, the blood flowing to the fetal heart is oxygenated because it comes from the placenta. The respiratory system is immature and cannot yet oxygenate blood on its own.) From the umbilical vein, the oxygenated blood flows toward the inferior vena cava, all but bypassing the immature liver, via the ductus venosus shunt (image). The liver receives just a trickle of blood, which is all that it needs in its immature, semifunctional state. Blood flows from the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, mixing with fetal venous blood along the way.
Although the fetal liver is semifunctional, the fetal lungs are nonfunctional. The fetal circulation therefore bypasses the lungs by shifting some of the blood through the foramen ovale, a shunt that directly connects the right and left atria and avoids the pulmonary trunk altogether. Most of the rest of the blood is pumped to the right ventricle, and from there, into the pulmonary trunk, which splits into pulmonary arteries. However, a shunt within the pulmonary artery, the ductus arteriosus, diverts a portion of this blood into the aorta. This ensures that only a small volume of oxygenated blood passes through the immature pulmonary circuit, which has only minor metabolic requirements. Blood vessels of uninflated lungs have high resistance to flow, a condition that encourages blood to flow to the aorta, which presents much lower resistance. The oxygenated blood moves through the foramen ovale into the left atrium, where it mixes with the now deoxygenated blood returning from the pulmonary circuit. This blood then moves into the left ventricle, where it is pumped into the aorta. Some of this blood moves through the coronary arteries into the myocardium, and some moves through the carotid arteries to the brain.
The descending aorta carries partially oxygenated and partially deoxygenated blood into the lower regions of the body. It eventually passes into the umbilical arteries through branches of the internal iliac arteries. The deoxygenated blood collects waste as it circulates through the fetal body and returns to the umbilical cord. Thus, the two umbilical arteries carry blood low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide and fetal wastes. This blood is filtered through the placenta, where wastes diffuse into the maternal circulation. Oxygen and nutrients from the mother diffuse into the placenta and from there into the fetal blood, and the process repeats.
Fetal Circulatory System
The fetal circulatory system includes three shunts to divert blood from undeveloped and partially functioning organs, as well as blood supply to and from the placenta.
Source: CNX OpenStax
Additional Materials (9)
Fetal structures in an adult | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Fetal heart sound location | fetal heart sound position | fetal heart sound in pregnancy | nursing
Video by NURSING OFFICER/YouTube
Foetal (Fetal) Circulation
Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
Fetal circulation right before birth | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
What Is a Fetal Echochardiogram Test?
Video by UIChildrens/YouTube
This browser does not support the video element.
Developing Body System of a Fetus
Camera shows mostly transparent fetus at approximately 4-5 months. As the camera, pans around various body systems are highlighted. First, the lungs and heart. Then the nervous, digestive systems and skeletal. Skin becomes gradually more opaque. Environment is suggestive of placental tissue.
Video by TheVisualMD
This browser does not support the video element.
Fetus with Developing Body System
Camera shows mostly transparent fetus at approximately 4-5 months. As the camera, pans around various body systems are highlighted. First, the lungs and heart. Then the nervous, digestive systems and skeletal. Skin becomes gradually more opaque. Environment is suggestive of placental tissue.
Video by TheVisualMD
Primitive Heart Tube
Fused Heart Tube
Heart of Human Embryo Forming Atria and Ventricle
Heart of Human Embryo Forming Chamber
Heart of Human Embryo
Adult Heart
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1 ) Primitive Heart Tube 2) Fused Heart Tube- Atria Begin to Separate 3) Heart of Human Embryo Forming Ventric
By the 25th day of gestation, a \"heart\" is already pumping and circulating blood through a network of vessels. These initial heartbeats come from a very different organ than the one seen in an adult. This early heart is really only a simple tube twisted back on itself because there is not enough room to grow. By the 5th week, the twisted tube fuses and becomes a two-chambered heart with one atrium and one ventricle. By the 6th week, a vertical wall - known as the septum - grows up the middle of the two chambers, dividing them to form the four-chambered heart that will persist into adulthood.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Circulatory System of a Human Fetus
Circulation operates differently in the fetus. While a fetus is developing in the womb, the lungs never expand and never collect or contain any air. Oxygenated blood comes directly from the mother through the placenta and umbilical cord. In addition, the path of blood through the fetal heart is different from that of an adult. In the fetus, much of the blood that enters the right side of the heart flows directly into the left side of the heart through a valve called the foramen ovale and back out into the body. The remaining blood that flows into the major vessel to the lungs - the pulmonary artery - is still redirected away from the non-functioning lungs. It moves directly from the pulmonary artery through a pathway called the ductus arteriosis into the major vessel to the rest of the body - the aorta. Although the vessels are in place and the four-chambered heart works, until birth, blood circulating through the fetus bypasses the pulmonary circulation entirely.
Image by TheVisualMD
8:17
Fetal structures in an adult | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
12:58
Fetal heart sound location | fetal heart sound position | fetal heart sound in pregnancy | nursing
NURSING OFFICER/YouTube
11:07
Foetal (Fetal) Circulation
Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
11:52
Fetal circulation right before birth | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
1:05
What Is a Fetal Echochardiogram Test?
UIChildrens/YouTube
0:09
Developing Body System of a Fetus
TheVisualMD
0:09
Fetus with Developing Body System
TheVisualMD
1 ) Primitive Heart Tube 2) Fused Heart Tube- Atria Begin to Separate 3) Heart of Human Embryo Forming Ventric
TheVisualMD
Circulatory System of a Human Fetus
TheVisualMD
Types
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Image by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Image by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
What Are the Types of Ventricular Septal Defects?
An infant with a ventricular septal defect can have one or more holes in different places of the septum. There are several names for these holes. Some common locations and names are:
Conoventricular Ventricular Septal Defect In general, this is a hole where portions of the ventricular septum should meet just below the pulmonary and aortic valves.
Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect This is a hole in the upper section of the ventricular septum.
Inlet Ventricular Septal Defect This is a hole in the septum near to where the blood enters the ventricles through the tricuspid and mitral valves. This type of ventricular septal defect also might be part of another heart defect called an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD).
Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect This is a hole in the lower, muscular part of the ventricular septum and is the most common type of ventricular septal defect.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
the diagram shows a healthy heart and one suffering from ventricular septal defect.
Image by Mariana Ruiz LadyofHats
the diagram shows a healthy heart and one suffering from ventricular septal defect.
the diagram shows a healthy heart and one suffering from ventricular septal defect.
Image by Mariana Ruiz LadyofHats
How Common Are Ventricular Septal Defects?
In a study in Atlanta, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 42 of every 10,000 babies born had a ventricular septal defect. This means about 16,800 babies are born each year in the United States with a ventricular septal defect. In other words, about 1 in every 240 babies born in the United States each year are born with a ventricular septal defect.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Figure A shows the structure and blood flow in the interior of a normal heart. Figure B shows two common locations for a ventricular septal defect. The defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
What Causes Ventricular Septal Defects?
The causes of heart defects (such as a ventricular septal defect) among most babies are unknown. Some babies have heart defects because of changes in their genes or chromosomes. Heart defects also are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and other risk factors, such as the things the mother comes in contact with in the environment or what the mother eats or drinks or the medicines the mother uses.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Ventricular septal defect | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
6:22
Ventricular septal defect | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Diagnosis
Sonographer doing pediatric echocardiography
Image by Gislaug Thorsteinsson
Sonographer doing pediatric echocardiography
This is a sonographer performing an ultrasound examination of the heart of a baby. The child's mother is present. This examination is called echocardiography.
Image by Gislaug Thorsteinsson
How Are Ventricular Septal Defects Diagnosed?
A ventricular septal defect usually is diagnosed after a baby is born.
The size of the ventricular septal defect will influence what symptoms, if any, are present, and whether a doctor hears a heart murmur during a physical examination. Signs of a ventricular septal defect might be present at birth or might not appear until well after birth. If the hole is small, it usually will close on its own and the baby might not show any signs of the defect. However, if the hole is large, the baby might have symptoms, including:
Shortness of breath,
Fast or heavy breathing,
Sweating,
Tiredness while feeding, or
Poor weight gain.
During a physical examination the doctor might hear a distinct whooshing sound, called a heart murmur. If the doctor hears a heart murmur or other signs are present, the doctor can request one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common test is an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that can show problems with the structure of the heart, show how large the hole is, and show how much blood is flowing through the hole.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to check the heart of your unborn baby. It is used to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of your baby's heart.
Fetal Echocardiogram
Also called: Fetal echo, Fetal echocardiography
A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to check the heart of your unborn baby. It is used to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of your baby's heart.
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Your result is Normal.
Your baby's heart structure, rhythm, and blood flow seems to be within normal parameters.
Related conditions
A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the fetus heart. This test provides a more detailed image of the baby's heart than other types of ultrasound and also traces the flow of blood through the heart chambers.
The test is usually done in the second trimester, between weeks 18 to 24.
You should have this test if any of the following risk factors are present:
If you or the baby’s father has a congenital heart defect
If you’ve been exposed to certain dangerous chemicals
If you have or have had particular diseases (including type I diabetes, lupus, and rubella)
If you’ve abused drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
If you’ve taken certain medications
It looks for abnormalities in the fetal heart structure, reveals the heart’s rhythm, and shows the route blood takes through the heart’s chambers and valves. To do this, it uses a color Doppler ultrasound, which is a technique that uses color to monitor the direction of blood flow. Red-orange indicates flow towards the top of the ultrasound transducer (probe), blue indicates flow away from the transducer.
The procedure is similar to that of other forms of ultrasound. It can be done through your abdomen (abdominal ultrasound) or through your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
Ultrasound exams are noninvasive and are very low risk when performed by skilled practitioners. You should be aware that some fetal heart problems can’t be seen before birth, even with a fetal echocardiogram.
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/symptoms--diagnosis-of-congenital-heart-defects/fetal-echocardiogram-test [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
https://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-echocardiography [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/heart-center-cardiology/services-we-offer/programs/echocardiography/fetal-echo [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (7)
Fetal Circulation
Fetal Circulation
Image by OpenStax College
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Photo of a photo
Annalisa McCormick, spouse of Airman 1st Class Kristopher McCormick, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and equipment journeyman, takes a photo of her baby during an ultra sound appointment at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 10, 2019. An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, monitors fetal development and screens for any potential medical concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks
Vascular remodelling in the embryo
Embryonic Development of Heart
Image by OpenStax College
Ultrasound Transducer
A linear array ultrasonic transducer for use in medical ultrasonography
Image by Drickey at English Wikipedia
What is Echocardiography?
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Chapter- 23 of 24 Truncus arteriosus
Video by Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease/YouTube
Head-3D
Fetal Circulation
OpenStax College
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Photo of a photo
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks
Vascular remodelling in the embryo
OpenStax College
Ultrasound Transducer
Drickey at English Wikipedia
4:14
What is Echocardiography?
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
25:46
Chapter- 23 of 24 Truncus arteriosus
Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease/YouTube
Head-3D
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
Also called: EKG, ECG
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures electrical signals in your heart. An abnormal EKG can be a sign of heart damage or disease.
Electrocardiogram
Also called: EKG, ECG
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures electrical signals in your heart. An abnormal EKG can be a sign of heart damage or disease.
{"label":"Electrocardiogram Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"EKG results are normal with a consistent heartbeat and rhythm. ","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"The EKG identified an abnormal heart rhythm.","conditions":["Arrhythmia","Tachycardia","Bradycardia","Myocardial ischemia","Aneurysm","Atherosclerosis","Heart attack"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
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EKG results are normal with a consistent heartbeat and rhythm.
Related conditions
An electrocardiogram (EKG) test is a simple, painless, and quick test that records your heart's electrical activity. Each time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through your heart. The signal triggers your heart's four chambers to contract (squeeze) in the proper rhythm so that your heart can pump blood to your body.
An EKG recording of these signals looks like wavy lines. Your provider can read these lines to look for abnormal heart activity that may be a sign of heart disease or damage.
An EKG can show:
How fast your heart is beating
Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
The strength and timing of the electrical signals passing through each part of your heart
Sometimes information from an EKG can help measure the size and position of your heart's chambers.
An EKG is often the first test you'll have if you have signs of a heart condition. It may be done in your provider's office, an outpatient clinic, in a hospital before surgery, or as part of another heart test called a stress test.
An EKG test is also called an ECG. EKG is based on the German spelling, elektrokardiogramm. EKG may be preferred over ECG to avoid confusion with an EEG, a test that measures brain waves.
An EKG test is used to help diagnose and monitor many types of heart conditions and their treatment. These conditions include:
Arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathy
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve diseases
Congenital heart defects
EKG tests are mainly used for people who have symptoms of a heart condition or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition. They are not generally used to screen people who don't have symptoms unless they have an increased risk of developing heart disease. Your provider can explain your risk for heart disease and let you know if need to have an EKG test. In certain cases, your provider may have you see a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases.
You may need an EKG test if you have symptoms of a heart condition, including:
Chest pain
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fatigue
A decrease in your ability to exercise
You may also need an EKG to:
Find out if you had a heart attack in the past but didn't know it
Monitor your heart if you have a known heart condition
Check how well your heart treatment is working, including medicine and/or a pacemaker
Check your heart health:
Before having surgery
If you have an increased risk for developing heart disease because:
Heart disease runs in your family
You have another condition, such as diabetes, that makes your risk higher than normal
An EKG test only takes a few minutes. It generally includes these steps:
You will lie on an exam table.
A provider will place several electrodes (small sensors that stick to your skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. The provider may need to shave body hair to make sure the electrodes stay on.
The electrodes are attached by wires to a computer or a special EKG machine
You will lie very still while your heart's electrical activity is recorded on a computer or printed on paper by an EKG machine.
You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test.
There is very little risk to having an EKG. You may feel a little discomfort or skin irritation after the electrodes are removed. The EKG doesn't send any electricity to your body. It only records electrical signals from your heart, so there's no risk of electric shock.
Your provider will check your EKG results for a steady heartbeat and rhythm. If your results are not normal, it may be a sign of a heart condition. The specific condition depends on which part of your EKG wasn't normal.
You may need to have other heart health tests before your provider can make a diagnosis. Your provider can explain what your test results mean for your heart health and treatment.
An EKG is a "snapshot" of your heart's activity over a very short time. If you have heart symptoms that come and go, a regular EKG may not catch the problem. In that case, your provider may recommend that you wear a small portable EKG monitor that can record your heart for days or longer while you do your normal activities. You may also need a longer EKG recording if your provider wants to check how well your heart is working after a heart attack or to see if treatment is helping you.
There are many types of long-term EKG monitors. The two main groups are Holter monitors, which can be worn for up to two days, and event monitors, which may record your heart activity for weeks to years depending on the type.
A Holter monitor is about the size of a small camera. You usually wear it on a belt or strap around your neck for a day or two. Wires under your clothes attach to electrodes that stick to your chest. The monitor records your heart's electrical signals the whole time you're wearing it. You may be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms during the test period. After the test period, you remove the monitor and return it according to the instructions. A provider will review the recording of your heart's electrical activity from the monitor.
An event monitor records your heart's electrical activity when you press a button or when the device detects abnormal heart activity. There two main types of event monitors:
Event monitors that you wear or carry with you. You wear some monitors on your chest or wrist. Other monitors are designed to carry. If you have symptoms, you hold the monitor to your chest. These event monitors may be used for weeks to months. Some of them wirelessly transmit information about your heart to a provider. Others must be returned so a provider can examine the recorded information.
Event monitors that are inserted under the skin of your chest. These are called implantable event monitors. They are put under your skin during minor surgery that's often done in a doctor's office. These monitors can track your heart's electrical activity for years. You may need this type of EKG monitor if you had a stroke or frequent fainting, and your provider hasn't found the cause. Implantable monitors wirelessly transmit the information they record so your provider can regularly check it.
Electrocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Mar 09, 2023]
Electrocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Feb 04, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (35)
How to Read an Electrocardiogram (ECG): Introduction – Cardiology | Lecturio
Video by Lecturio Medical/YouTube
Major Types of Heart Block
Video by Jeff Otjen/YouTube
How An ECG Works
Video by LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
This browser does not support the video element.
What are Arrhythmias?
Your heart is electric. In this video you'll see how your heart's electrical system works, and what happens when it malfunctions. Voyage inside the human body as Dr. Mehmet Oz and others explain the dangers of heart arrhythmias, including tachycardia, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation.
Video by TheVisualMD
12 Lead ECG Explained, Animation
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Bundle Branch Block, Animation.
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
QRS Transitional Zone. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
ECG Interpretation Basics - ST Segment Changes. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Cardiac Axis Interpretation. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Electrical system of the heart | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Cardiovascular | EKG Basics
Video by Ninja Nerd/YouTube
Cardiovascular | EKG's
Video by Ninja Nerd/YouTube
Normal sinus rhythm on an EKG | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Cardiac Conduction System and Understanding ECG, Animation.
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Willem Einthoven and the ECG - Stuff of Genius
Video by Stuff of Genius - HowStuffWorks/YouTube
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A useful tool for determining whether a person has heart disease, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG, which is painless (no electricity is sent through the body), is used to measure damage to the heart, how fast the heart is beating and whether it is beating normally, the effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker), and the size and position of the heart chambers.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cardiac cycle
Cardiac Cycle vs Electrocardiogram
Image by OpenStax College
Medical Checkups
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are the most commonly given test used to diagnose coronary artery disease. They record the heart's electrical activity and show evidence of angina or heart attack.
Image by TheVisualMD
electrocardiogram-illustration made up from Medications
A normal tracing shows the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave. Also indicated are the PR, QT, QRS, and ST intervals, plus the P-R and S-T segments.
Image by CNX Openstax
What To Expect After an Electrocardiogram
Normal ECG/EKG complex with labels
Image by Derivative: Hazmat2 Original: Hank van Helvete
Cardiac Stress Test
The image shows a patient having a stress test. Electrodes are attached to the patient's chest and connected to an EKG (electrocardiogram) machine. The EKG records the heart's electrical activity. A blood pressure cuff is used to record the patient's blood pressure while he walks on a treadmill.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Relationship between the Cardiac Cycle and ECG
Initially, both the atria and ventricles are relaxed (diastole). The P wave represents depolarization of the atria and is followed by atrial contraction (systole). Atrial systole extends until the QRS complex, at which point, the atria relax. The QRS complex represents depolarization of the ventricles and is followed by ventricular contraction. The T wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles and marks the beginning of ventricular relaxation.
Image by CNX Openstax
The Electric Heart
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.
Image by U.S. National Library of Medicine
Comparison of Arrhythmia and Normal ECG
As the muscle tissue in an overstressed heart expands, it tears and scars. The resulting tissue - hardened and marred - does not conduct electricity well. The result is that the system can no longer be relied on to deliver the carefully synchronized pattern of jolts needed to keep the heart pumping smoothly. Doctors call it \"arrhythmia.\" The heart is literally \"skipping a beat.\" This can be measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG). In some cases, arrhythmia can mean simply that the heartbeat is too fast or too slow - a bothersome but not necessarily life-threatening condition. In the worst cases, the arrhythmia indicates a potentially lethal instability in the heart's electric system. The signals that control the heart's contractions get crossed and the heart spasms. If not corrected immediately, this fibrillation of the heart is often fatal. In the U.S., more than 1,000 people die every day from sudden cardiac death, or cardiac arrest.
Image by TheVisualMD
Heart Revealing Chamber and Valve
Your heart beats faster or slower depending on information from your brain, which monitors your body's need for blood. However, the basic rhythm of your heart is automatic; it does not depend on signals from your brain. Your heart cells can generate their own electrical signals, which trigger the contractions and cause the entire heart to pump in synchrony. A specialized bundle of muscle and nerve cells called the sinoatrial node (SA node) sits at the top of the right atrium and is the pacemaker of the heart. It generates the signal for the atria to contract and send blood to the ventricles. A similar node - the atrioventricular or AV node - sits at the atrioventricular septum near the bottom of the right atrium and relays the signal from the SA node to the ventricles to contract and pump blood out of the heart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical signals given off by these two nodes and their conduction through the heart. By looking at the frequency and the height of the peaks and valleys of these signals on an ECG, healthcare professionals get a very good idea of how well the electrical system of your heart is working.
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardigram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) detects and records the heart's electrical activity. When the electrical impulse passes through the atria a small peak is recorded (P), followed by a steep spike as it erupts through the ventricles (R), and then another small peak (T) as the wave passes through and the heart repolarizes (recharges) itself for the next beat.
Image by TheVisualMD
Electro- cardiogram
Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, record the electrical activity of the heart. Since injured heart muscle conducts electrical impulses abnormally, the EKG shows if the patient has had or is having a heart attack. It is usually the first test performed.
Image by TheVisualMD
SinusRhythmLabels
Schematic diagram of normal sinus rhythm for a human heart as seen on ECG. In atrial fibrillation, however, the P waves, which represent depolarization of the atria, are absent.
Image by Agateller (Anthony Atkielski)
How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator
The image shows a typical setup using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED has step-by-step instructions and voice prompts that enable an untrained bystander to correctly use the machine.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
Lead II (2) ECG EKG strip of an AICD ICD converting a patient back into thier baseline cardiac ryhthm. The AICD fires near the end of the strip, where the straight line is seen.
Image by Public Domain
Cardiac Cycle
CG Animated Human Heart cut section showing the atria, ventricles and valves, synced with wiggers diagram.
Image by DrJanaOfficial/Wikimedia
Mammalian Heart and Blood Vessels
The beating of the heart is regulated by an electrical impulse that causes the characteristic reading of an ECG. The signal is initiated at the sinoatrial valve. The signal then (a) spreads to the atria, causing them to contract. The signal is (b) delayed at the atrioventricular node before it is passed on to the (c) heart apex. The delay allows the atria to relax before the (d) ventricles contract. The final part of the ECG cycle prepares the heart for the next beat.
Image by CNX Openstax
9:53
How to Read an Electrocardiogram (ECG): Introduction – Cardiology | Lecturio
Lecturio Medical/YouTube
9:23
Major Types of Heart Block
Jeff Otjen/YouTube
2:45
How An ECG Works
LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
3:27
What are Arrhythmias?
TheVisualMD
3:27
12 Lead ECG Explained, Animation
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:48
Bundle Branch Block, Animation.
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:50
QRS Transitional Zone. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
1:24
ECG Interpretation Basics - ST Segment Changes. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:32
Cardiac Axis Interpretation. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
9:43
Electrical system of the heart | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
52:29
Cardiovascular | EKG Basics
Ninja Nerd/YouTube
20:37
Cardiovascular | EKG's
Ninja Nerd/YouTube
8:53
Normal sinus rhythm on an EKG | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
3:45
Cardiac Conduction System and Understanding ECG, Animation.
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
1:46
Willem Einthoven and the ECG - Stuff of Genius
Stuff of Genius - HowStuffWorks/YouTube
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
TheVisualMD
Cardiac cycle
OpenStax College
Medical Checkups
TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram
TheVisualMD
electrocardiogram-illustration made up from Medications
GDJ
Electrocardiogram
CNX Openstax
What To Expect After an Electrocardiogram
Derivative: Hazmat2 Original: Hank van Helvete
Cardiac Stress Test
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Relationship between the Cardiac Cycle and ECG
CNX Openstax
The Electric Heart
TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Comparison of Arrhythmia and Normal ECG
TheVisualMD
Heart Revealing Chamber and Valve
TheVisualMD
Electrocardigram
TheVisualMD
Electro- cardiogram
TheVisualMD
SinusRhythmLabels
Agateller (Anthony Atkielski)
How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
Public Domain
Cardiac Cycle
DrJanaOfficial/Wikimedia
Mammalian Heart and Blood Vessels
CNX Openstax
Chest X-Ray Test
Chest X-Ray Test
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
Chest X-Ray Test
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
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Your result is Normal.
X rays are electromagnetic waves. They use ionizing radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. A chest x ray takes pictures of the inside of your chest. The different tissues in your chest absorb different amounts of radiation. Your ribs and spine are bony and absorb radiation well. They normally appear light on a chest x ray. Your lungs, which are filled with air, normally appear dark.
Related conditions
A chest x ray is a painless, noninvasive test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This test is done to find the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), and fever.
Chest x rays help doctors diagnose conditions such as pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah), heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, and sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis). Doctors also may use chest x rays to see how well treatments for certain conditions are working. Also, doctors often use chest x rays before surgery to look at the structures in the chest.
Chest x rays are the most common x-ray test used to diagnose health problems.
Doctors may recommend chest x rays for people who have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), or fever. The test can help find the cause of these symptoms.
Chest x rays look for conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis. The test also is used to check how well treatments for certain conditions are working.
Chest x rays also are used to evaluate people who test positive for tuberculosis (tu-ber-kyu-LO-sis) exposure on skin tests.
Sometimes, doctors recommend more chest x rays within hours, days, or months of an earlier chest x ray. This allows them to follow up on a condition.
People who are having certain types of surgery also may need chest x rays. Doctors often use the test before surgery to look at the structures inside the chest.
Depending on your doctor's request, you'll stand, sit, or lie for the chest x ray. The technician will help position you correctly. He or she may cover you with a heavy lead apron to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The x-ray equipment usually consists of two parts. One part, a box-like machine, holds the x-ray film or a special plate that records the picture digitally. You'll sit or stand next to this machine. The second part is the x-ray tube, which is located about 6 feet away.
Before the pictures are taken, the technician will walk behind a wall or into the next room to turn on the x-ray machine. This helps reduce his or her exposure to the radiation.
Usually, two views of the chest are taken. The first is a view from the back. The second is a view from the side.
For a view from the back, you'll sit or stand so that your chest rests against the image plate. The x-ray tube will be behind you. For the side view, you'll turn to your side and raise your arms above your head.
If you need to lie down for the test, you'll lie on a table that contains the x-ray film or plate. The x-ray tube will be over the table.
You'll need to hold very still while the pictures are taken. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. These steps help prevent a blurry picture.
Although the test is painless, you may feel some discomfort from the coolness of the exam room and the x-ray plate. If you have arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders, or arms, you may feel discomfort holding a position during the test. The technician may be able to help you find a more comfortable position.
When the test is done, you'll need to wait while the technician checks the quality of the x-ray pictures. He or she needs to make sure that the pictures are good enough for the doctor to use.
You don't have to do anything special to prepare for a chest x ray. However, you may want to wear a shirt that's easy to take off. Before the test, you'll be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
You also may want to avoid wearing jewelry and other metal objects. You'll be asked to take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects that might interfere with the x-ray picture. Let the x-ray technician (a person specially trained to do x-ray tests) know if you have any body piercings on your chest.
Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. In general, women should avoid all x-ray tests during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, having an x ray is important to the health of the mother and fetus. If an x ray is needed, the technician will take extra steps to protect the fetus from radiation.
Chest x rays have few risks. The amount of radiation used in a chest x ray is very small. A lead apron may be used to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The test gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you're naturally exposed to over 10 days.
Chest x rays show the structures in and around the chest. The test is used to look for and track conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity. For example, chest x-ray pictures may show signs of pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis.
Chest x rays do have limits. They only show conditions that change the size of tissues in the chest or how the tissues absorb radiation. Also, chest x rays create two-dimensional pictures. This means that denser structures, like bone or the heart, may hide some signs of disease. Very small areas of cancer and blood clots in the lungs usually don't show up on chest x rays.
For these reasons, your doctor may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-x-ray [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003804.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/chestrad [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/chest_x-ray/article_em.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (50)
Chest X-Ray Basics in 5 min
Video by Nick Smith/YouTube
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
What causes Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and who is at Risk?
Chest X-ray of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI syndrome) compared to chest X-ray of the same subject afterwards.
Image by Altaf Gauhar Haji, Shekhar Sharma, DK Vijaykumar and Jerry Paul
Tuberculosis X-ray
An anteroposterior X-ray of a patient diagnosed with advanced bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis. This AP X-ray of the chest reveals the presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrate (white triangles), and caving forma.
Image by CDC / Der Lange
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This highly-magnified, 1981 transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image, reveals some of the morphologic traits exhibited by a human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virion is variable in shape, and size, with an average diameter between 120-300nm. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children, under 1-year of age.
Image by CDC/ E. L. Palmer
Q Fever Pneumonia X-ray
Combination of two x-rays (A) normal chest x-ray (B) x-ray documenting Q fever pneumonia.
Image by US Gov
Chest X Ray
A Lateral Chest X-Ray with the heart shadow outlined.
Image by US Army
Projectional radiography
Image relating focal spot size to geometric unsharpness in projectional radiography.
Image by Source images by Blausen Medical and LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz Villarreal) Derivative by Mikael Haggstrom
Chest Radiograph
Chest X-Ray : Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
X-ray of Healthy Lung
This image shows an x-ray of healthy lungs.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cancer screening
Cancer Imaging: X-Rays : Chest X-rays can be used to show the presence of tumors, as for lung cancer, but they may also indicate problems associated with cancer. An X-ray may produce images suggestive of fluid accumulation, masses, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lung Cancer
Chest X-ray (Cancer): This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute
Chest X Ray
Mediastinal structures on a chest radiograph.
Image by Mikael Haggstrom, from source images by ZooFari, Stillwaterising and Gray's Anatomy creators
CT Chest Scan of Pleura effusion
CT scan of chest showing loculated pleural effusion in left side. Some thickening of pleura is also noted. From my personal collection. Permission obtained from patient.
Image by Drriad
Chest X-ray (Cancer)
This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Photographer
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CT Scans (VIDEO)
This video shows how modern science of scanning can expose the health condition of the patient. The video starts with a patient undergoing CT scanning, an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Visible are the heart, lungs, and arteries of a patient.
Video by TheVisualMD
Chest X-Ray
Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings
Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Gallstones
Gallstones as seen on plain x-ray.
Image by James Heilman, MD
Hemoptysis x-ray
Hemoptysis can be discovered with the help of radiology.
Image by Aidan Jones from Oxford, U.K.
X-ray of Lung with Pulmonary Edema
Within the lungs, the main airways (bronchi) branch off into smaller passageways, the smallest of which are called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs (alveoli). Pulmonary edema is a condition caused when excess fluid collects in these air sacs, making it difficult to breathe. Fluid in the lungs can be caused by pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other conditions, but in most cases, the cause of pulmonary edema is heart problems (when a damaged heart can't pump enough blood and fluid leaks into the lungs).
Image by TheVisualMD
What To Expect During and After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Surgery
A normal chest X-ray after placement of an ICD, showing the ICD generator in the upper left chest and the ICD lead in the right ventricle of the heart. Note the 2 opaque coils along the ICD lead.
Image by Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS, FACC
This browser does not support the video element.
Chest X-ray: NCI B-roll [video]
NCI B-roll of a patient receiving a Chest X-ray. This video is silent.
Video by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
X-Ray of Aneurysm within Chest frontal view
Most aneurysms are detected in the course of an exam, such as a physical exam or a chest X-ray, being performed for a different reason.
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural Effusion: Tests
Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.
Image by CDC InvictaHOG
Coccidioidomycosis
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed pulmonary changes indicative of pulmonary fibrosis in a case of coccidioidomycosis, caused by fungal organisms of the genus, Coccidioides. Because these changes also resemble those seen in other lung infections including tuberculosis, the findings uncovered with a chest x-ray needs to be coupled with serologic testing, as well as possible tissue biopsy. The degree of fibrotic changes, indicative of scarring found on x-ray, can be directly correlated to the severity of the fungal infection.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Lucille K. Georg
How Is Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Diagnosed?
Chest X-Ray: Acute respiratory distress syndrome on plain Xray
Image by James Heilman, MD
How Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Diagnosed?
Early Asbestosis in a Retired Pipe Fitter : Chest X-ray in asbestosis shows plaques above diaphragm
Image by Clinical Cases
Aspergillosis
This was a photomicrograph of a lung tissue specimen, harvested from a caged, sulfur-crested cockatoo, that depicted some of the histopathologic changes that had been caused by the fungal organism, Aspergillus fumigatus, in a case of avian pulmonary aspergillosis. Here, you are able see how the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, revealed A. fumigatus ultrastructural morphology including conidial heads and mycelium.
Image by CDC/ Dr. William Kaplan
Pleural Effusion - Defined
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by Drriad
Pleural Effusion: Tests
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by James Heilman MD
Breast implants
Chest X-ray showing breast implants
Image by James Heilman
Living With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
No cure is available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) yet. Your symptoms may get worse over time. As your symptoms worsen, you may not be able to do many of the things that you did before you had IPF.
However, lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the disease.
If you're still smoking, the most important thing you can do is quit. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke. Ask family members and friends not to smoke in front of you or in your home, car, or workplace.
Image by Drriad
Symptoms and Spread of SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)
A chest x-ray showing increased opacity in both lungs, indicative of pneumonia, in a patient with SARS.
Image by CDC
Chilaiditi syndrome
Chest X-ray showing obvious Chilaiditi's sign, or presence of gas in the right colic angle between the liver and right hemidiaphragm (left side of the image).
Piper's Sign: In days gone by the lateral chest x-ray (demonstrating greater opacity in the aortic arch and descending aorta than the thoracic spine) gave an indication to the degree of calcified plaque burden a patient had. This has been known as Piper's sign and can often be seen in elderly persons particularly those with concomitant osteoporosis.
Image by U4077905
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Image by Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Image by Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
(a) Ringworm presents as a red ring on skin; (b) Trichophyton violaceum, shown in this bright field light micrograph, causes superficial mycoses on the scalp; (c) Histoplasma capsulatum is an ascomycete that infects airways and causes symptoms similar to influenza. (credit a: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit b: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit c: modification of work by M. Renz, CDC; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)
Image by CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), one of the most frequent and severe opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Pneumocystis organisms represent a large group of species of atypical fungi with universal distribution and pulmonary tropism, and each species has a strong specificity for a given mammalian host species.
Image by CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Image by Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
PA view Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child. Released per permission of mother.
Image by Samir (talk)
Chest X Ray
Structures shown: Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings. Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Thoracic diaphragm
X-ray of chest, showing top of diaphragm.
Image by OpenStax College
Chest X Ray
Roentgenogram or Medical X-ray image. May not be to scale.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist.
7:02
Reading a chest X-ray
Osmosis/YouTube
Chest X-ray of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI syndrome) compared to chest X-ray of the same subject afterwards.
Altaf Gauhar Haji, Shekhar Sharma, DK Vijaykumar and Jerry Paul
Cardiac MRI Scan
Cardiac MRI Test
Also called: Heart MRI, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CMR, Cardiac MRI Scan
A cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of your heart. The test can provide detailed information on the type and severity of heart disease to help diagnose and treat heart problems.
Cardiac MRI Test
Also called: Heart MRI, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CMR, Cardiac MRI Scan
A cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of your heart. The test can provide detailed information on the type and severity of heart disease to help diagnose and treat heart problems.
A cardiac MRI is a painless imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of your heart. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, noninvasive test that creates detailed pictures of your organs and tissues. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body.
Cardiac MRI creates both still and moving pictures of your heart and major blood vessels. Doctors use cardiac MRI to get pictures of the beating heart and to look at its structure and function. These pictures can help them decide the best way to treat people who have heart problems.
Cardiac MRI is a common test. It's used to diagnose and assess many diseases and conditions, including:
Coronary heart disease
Damage caused by a heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve problems
Congenital heart defects (heart defects present at birth)
Pericarditis (a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed)
Cardiac tumors
Cardiac MRI can help explain results from other tests, such as x rays and computed tomography scans (also called CT scans).
Doctors sometimes use cardiac MRI instead of invasive procedures or tests that involve radiation (such as x rays) or dyes containing iodine (these dyes may be harmful to people who have kidney problems).
Cardiac MRI takes place in a hospital or medical imaging facility. A radiologist or other doctor who has special training in medical imaging oversees MRI testing. Cardiac MRI usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many pictures are needed. The test may take less time with some newer MRI machines.
The MRI machine will be located in a special room that prevents radio waves from disrupting the machine. It also prevents the MRI machine's strong magnetic fields from disrupting other equipment.
Traditional MRI machines look like long, narrow tunnels. Newer MRI machines (called short-bore systems) are shorter, wider, and don't completely surround you. Some newer machines are open on all sides. Your doctor will help decide which type of machine is best for you. Cardiac MRI is painless and harmless. You'll lie on your back on a sliding table that goes inside the tunnel-like machine.
The MRI technician will control the machine from the next room. He or she will be able to see you through a glass window and talk to you through a speaker. Tell the technician if you have a hearing problem.
The MRI machine makes loud humming, tapping, and buzzing noises. Some facilities let you wear earplugs or listen to music during the test. You will need to remain very still during the MRI. Any movement can blur the pictures. If you're unable to lie still, you may be given medicine to help you relax.
The technician might ask you to hold your breath for 10 to 15 seconds at a time while he or she takes pictures of your heart. Researchers are studying ways that will allow someone having a cardiac MRI to breathe freely during the exam, while achieving the same image quality.
A contrast agent, such as gadolinium, might be used to highlight your blood vessels or heart in the pictures. The substance usually is injected into a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a cool sensation during the injection and discomfort when the needle is inserted. Gadolinium doesn't contain iodine, so it won't cause problems for people who are allergic to iodine.
Your cardiac MRI might include a stress test to detect blockages in your coronary arteries. If so, you'll get other medicines to increase the blood flow in your heart or to increase your heart rate.
You'll be asked to fill out a screening form before having cardiac MRI. The form may ask whether you've had any previous surgeries. It also may ask whether you have any metal objects or medical devices (like a cardiac) in your body.
Some implanted medical devices, such as man-made heart valves and coronary stents, are safe around the MRI machine, but others are not. For example, the MRI machine can:
Cause implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators to malfunction.
Damage cochlear (inner-ear) implants. Cochlear implants are small, electronic devices that help people who are deaf or who can't hear well understand speech and the sounds around them.
Cause brain aneurysm (AN-u-rism) clips to move as a result of the MRI's strong magnetic field. This can cause severe injury.
Talk to your doctor or the MRI technician if you have concerns about any implanted devices that may interfere with the MRI.
Your doctor will let you know if you shouldn't have a cardiac MRI because of a medical device. If so, consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace or carrying a medical alert card that states that you shouldn't have an MRI.
If you're pregnant, make sure your doctor knows before you have an MRI. No harmful effects of MRI during pregnancy have been reported; however, more research on the safety of MRI during pregnancy is needed.
Your doctor or technician will tell you whether you need to change into a hospital gown for the test. Don't bring hearing aids, credit cards, jewelry and watches, eyeglasses, pens, removable dental work, or anything that's magnetic near the MRI machine.
Tell your doctor if being in a fairly tight or confined space causes you anxiety or fear. If so, your doctor might give you medicine to help you relax. Your doctor may ask you to fast (not eat) for 6 hours before you take this medicine on the day of the test.
Some newer cardiac MRI machines are open on all sides. If you're fearful in tight or confined spaces, ask your doctor to help you find a facility that has an open MRI machine.
Your doctor will let you know whether you need to arrange for a ride home after the test.
Cardiac MRI has few risks. In rare instances, the contrast dye may harm people who have kidney or liver disease, or it may cause an allergic reaction.
The doctor supervising your scan will provide your doctor with the results of your cardiac MRI. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you.
Cardiac MRI can reveal various heart diseases and conditions, such as:
Coronary heart disease
Damage caused by a heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve problems
Congenital heart defects (heart defects present at birth)
Pericarditis (a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed)
Cardiac tumors
Cardiac MRI is a fast, accurate tool that can help diagnose a heart attack. The test does this by detecting areas of the heart that don't move normally, have poor blood supply, or are scarred.
Cardiac MRI also can show whether any of the coronary arteries are blocked. A blockage prevents your heart muscle from getting enough oxygen-rich blood, which can lead to a heart attack.
Currently, coronary angiography is the most common procedure for looking at blockages in the coronary arteries. Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure that uses x rays and iodine-based dye.
Researchers have found that cardiac MRI can sometimes replace coronary angiography, avoiding the need to use x-ray radiation and iodine-based dye. This use of MRI is called MR angiography (MRA).
Echocardiography (echo) is the main test for diagnosing heart valve disease. However, your doctor also might recommend cardiac MRI to assess the severity of valve disease.
A cardiac MRI can confirm information about valve defects or provide more detailed information about heart valve disease.
This information can help your doctor plan your treatment. An MRI also might be done before heart valve surgery to help your surgeon plan for the surgery.
Researchers are finding new ways to use cardiac MRI. In the future, cardiac MRI may replace x rays as the main way to guide invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization.
Also, improvements in cardiac MRI will likely lead to better methods for detecting heart disease in the future.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-mri [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003795.htm [accessed on Feb 25, 2022]
Additional Materials (32)
What To Expect During Cardiac MRI
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Image by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute / NIH
MRI of Aneurysm within Chest lateral cross section
Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
Enlarged right ventricle with poor function in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by CMR
Enlarged right ventricle with poor function in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by CMR
Image by Jccmoon (talk)
Having a Cardiac MRI scan
Video by Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust/YouTube
MRI and CT Scan the differences
Video by Vijayan Ragavan/YouTube
British Heart Foundation - Your guide to a cardiac MRI, heart disease test
Video by British Heart Foundation/YouTube
Seeing Inside the Heart with MRI
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Cardiac MRI flow visualization
Cardiac MRI flow visualization
Image by Vasanawala
Cardiac MRI streamlines
Cardiac MRI streamlines visualization
Image by Vasanawala
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Image by Hellerhoff
Spectrum of Medical Imaging
This composite image was created in recognition of The Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) designation of 2015 as the “International Year of Light.” Medical imaging scientists and engineers contribute to the quest for the improved human condition by providing imaging that spans the entire usable electro-magnetic spectrum (seen at bottom). From the humblest of beginnings with simple magnification of objects and focusing with lenses, to the biological observation of cells with rudimentary microscopes in the visible spectrum, medical imaging today has both extended away from the visible spectrum towards longer and shorter wavelengths (low and high energies) and exploited the hyperspectral nature of the visible which was once considered “commonplace” or rudimentary. Considering yet a different cross-section through the various imaging modalities across the spectrum, the medically useful information gained spans anatomic, physiologic, and molecular regimes. Systems and algorithms have been developed as single-modality acquisition systems, and also as multiple-modalities with conjoint reconstruction, each informing the other in the quest to optimize image quality and information content. In addition, the role of light-based technologies in enabling advanced computations in tomographic reconstructions, computer-aided diagnosis, machine learning (neural networks, deep learning, etc.) , and 3D visualizations as well as in data-enriched storage of medical images has further extended the potential knowledge “seen” through imaging. The breadth of the electromagnetic spectrum offers limitless opportunities for improvement and inquiry, in our quest to answer human life’s difficult questions. This montage was first published on the cover of the SPIE’s Journal of Medical Imaging (July-Sept. 2015, vol. 3, no. 3) and is but a small tribute to the multitude of medical imaging scientists who have contributed to the wealth of new knowledge as we interrogate the human condition. The gray-scale whole body images (from Left to Right) are acquired from longer wavelength modalities to shorter wavelength modalities spanning the (currently) usable electromagnetic spectrum. The background images include: a coronal Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) T2 weighted image slice, a posterior surface Infra Red (IR) heat map, a coronal non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) slice, and a coronal 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) slice. The selection of color inset images includes (from Top-to-Bottom, then Left to Right): [1] diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to image long white matter tracts within and around the human brain illustrating neuronal connectivity (coloring refers to bluish=vertical direction; green=horizontal A-P direction; red=horizontal lateral direction) (courtesy of Arthur Toga, PhD); [2] registered and superimposed coronal proton-MRI (gray-scale) and a hyper polarized 129Xe ventilation MRI scan (color scale) within the same patient’s lungs, prior to their receiving a bronchial stent (courtesy of Bastiaan Driehuys, PhD); [3] coronal slice through a microwave-based image reconstruction of the Debye parameter ε (epsilon) in a heterogeneously dense human breast phantom (courtesy of Susan Hagness, PhD); [4] juxtaposed optical image of the retina and vertical and horizontal Optical Coherence Tomograph (OCT) slices showing pigmentosa retinopathy (courtesy of Jean-Michel Muratet, MD); [5] functional 3-D photoacoustic imaging of melanoma (gray scale) in vivo, surrounded by highly optically absorptive blood vessels (red) (courtesy of Lihong Wang, PhD); [6] optical micrograph of HeLa cells stained for microtubules (blue) and co-stained with DAPI for actin visualization (red); HeLa cells are the world's first stem cell line, originally derived from the aggressive cervical cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks (courtesy Tom Deerinck/NCMIR); [7] visualization of the pelvis highlighting the colon, which is imaged with contrast x-ray computed tomography (CT), and after digital surface rendering can be used in virtual colonoscopy, thus avoiding a physical visible light-based colonoscopy; [8] registered and fused sagittal 99mTc-sestamibi dedicated molecular single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT, heat color scale) and low-dose CT slice (gray scale) of a patient’s uncompressed, pendant breast containing two surgically confirmed DCIS loci in the posterior breast (courtesy of Martin Tornai, PhD); [9] classic, early x-radiograph of Wilhelm Röntgen’s wife’s hand (adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Photographs_that_Changed_the_World); [10] transverse pelvic CT (gray scale) with multiple superimposed simulated x-ray photon radiotherapy beams, and their cumulative 20Gy (red) deposited dose isocontours at the focus of a tumor (courtesy of Paul Read, MD, PhD); [11] false-colored scanning electron micrograph of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles (yellow) infecting a human H9 T-cell (turquoise) (adapted from http://biosingularity.com/category/infection/); [12] transverse 18F-dopa positron emission tomography (PET) slice through a Parkinson patient’s brain showing decreased in vivo quantitative uptake in the right caudate and putamen (courtesy of Christaan Schiepers, MD, PhD); [13] registered and fused transverse head CT (gray scale) and registered superimposed PET image (color) of a patient immediately after radio-therapeutic proton irradiation showing endogenously created 15O-positron emitter (2 min half-life) within the nasopharyngeal tumor focus (courtesy of Kira Grogg, PhD). [14] transverse (long axis) cardiac 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT slice illustrating thinned myocardial apical wall in a procedure performed thousands of times daily around the world (adapted from www.medscape.com). These images are but a small sampling of the breadth of the spectrum of light that is currently being investigated the world over by passionate scientists and engineers on a quest for the betterment of the human condition. All contributors for these images used herein have given their permission for their use, and are graciously thanked.
Image by Martin Tornai
Cardiac Cycle
CG Animated Human Heart cut section showing the atria, ventricles and valves, synced with wiggers diagram.
Image by DrJanaOfficial/Wikimedia
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Figure A shows the heart's position in the body and the location and angle of the MRI pictures shown in figure C. Figure B is an MRI angiogram, which is sometimes used instead of a standard angiogram. Figure C shows MRI pictures of a normal left ventricle (left image), a left ventricle damaged from a heart attack (middle image), and a left ventricle that isn't getting enough blood from the coronary arteries (right image).
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging perfusion
Animated sagittal MRI slice of my beating heart
Image by Bionerd
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging perfusion
Animated image of an MRI of the heart, showing a large myxoma plunging to and fro from atrium to ventricle across the mitral valve.
Image by Jccmoon at English Wikipedia
Low-field MRI system for cardiac and lung imaging
Video by NHLBI/YouTube
Annual report : National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council
At head of title, 1976: National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Program
Title varies slightly
Reports describe the activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Description based on: 9th (Sept. 1981)
Subjects: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council; Heart; Heart; Lungs; Lungs; Blood; Blood; Cardiology; Cardiovascular Diseases; Hematology; Lung Diseases
Document by
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. cn
/Wikimedia
Cardiac magnetic resonance Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
A short axis view of the heart showing a cine cardiac magnetic resonance. In this case, the scan demonstrates features of Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia with fatty infiltration of the left and right ventricles.
Image by Jccmoon at English Wikipedia/Wikimedia
Cardiac MRI vector
Cardiac MRI vector visualization
Image by Vasanawala/Wikimedia
Cardiac MRI: What you should know if your doctor orders a cardiac MRI
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
Tests and Procedures~Cardiac MRI
Video by CardioSmart/YouTube
Cardiac MRI
Video by MRI Michigan/YouTube
Indications for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Video by Medmastery/YouTube
Seeing Inside the Heart With MRI - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Cardiac Stress Perfusion MRI Scan
Video by UHP_NHS/YouTube
New Cardiac MRI Leads to Better Diagnosis
Video by NationwideChildrens/YouTube
Looped MRI video of a healthy 13 year old female's heart beating.
Looped MRI video of a healthy 13 year old female's heart beating.
Image by Alith3204
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
John survived death: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
John Boudreaux is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force. In 2016, he suffered a critical sudden cardiac arrest. He was dead for several minutes. Less than 6% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive the trip to the hospital. John's doctors gave him less than 1%. Today, as a group commander at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, he bears the scars that remind him for every one of him, there are 99 others buried in the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer
Lp-PLA2, Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. There is no single biomarker that can perfectly predict a person's risk of heart disease; half of all people who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol. This is why researchers have developed additional biomarkers for heart disease, such as Lp-PLA2 (or lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2), an enzyme linked to the inflammation of blood vessels. Individuals with high levels of Lp-PLA2 are at much higher risk of heart attack and stroke even if their cholesterol levels are normal.
Image by TheVisualMD
Coronary Artery Blockage
This video shows blockage that can occur within coronary arteries of the heart. Coronary arteries is a network of blood vessels that delivers the heart its own supply of blood. Here, the video reveals an angiogram of a patient showing blockages in the 4 coronary arteries.
Image by TheVisualMD
Coronary catheterization
Representative Reconstructed Images of CTO Lesions at the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery (LAD) and Right Coronary Artery (RCA).1A, 1D: Coronary angiography (CAG) image; 1B, 1E: Multiplanar reconstruction images; 1C, 1F: Three-dimensional volume rendering (Tree) image.
Also called: Pulse Ox, Oxygen Saturation Monitor, Oxygen Saturation by Pulse Oximetry, Peripheral Oxygen Saturation, SpO2, Finger Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximetry is a quick and painless test that measures blood oxygen levels. Your organs need a steady supply of blood oxygen to work properly. This test can help people with serious or chronic lung disease get quick treatment if their oxygen level gets too low.
Pulse Oximetry Test
Also called: Pulse Ox, Oxygen Saturation Monitor, Oxygen Saturation by Pulse Oximetry, Peripheral Oxygen Saturation, SpO2, Finger Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximetry is a quick and painless test that measures blood oxygen levels. Your organs need a steady supply of blood oxygen to work properly. This test can help people with serious or chronic lung disease get quick treatment if their oxygen level gets too low.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
%
92
95
Your result is Normal.
In healthy people, the oxygen level runs between 95-100%.
Related conditions
Pulse oximetry is a test that uses a small, clip-like device called a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels in the blood. When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen and send it into your bloodstream. This oxygen-rich blood is carried into your heart, which pumps it to the rest of your body. If your blood oxygen level (oxygen saturation) is too low, it can make it hard for your body to work properly. It can put a dangerous strain on your vital organs.
Pulse oximetry is a painless and quick way to find out if your oxygen level is too low. Quick treatment of low blood oxygen may help you avoid serious complications.
Pulse oximetry is used to check your blood oxygen level. The test may be done in a provider's office, clinic, hospital, or even your own home. An at-home pulse oximeter may be useful if you have a serious and/or chronic lung disease.
Your provider may give you a pulse-oximetry test as part of a routine checkup, or if you:
Have a condition that affects lung function. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, heart failure, and COVID-19.
Are taking medicine to treat lung disease. The test can show how well the medicine is working.
Are having surgery. Your blood oxygen level may be checked before, during, and after your procedure.
Have sleep apnea. This condition causes you to briefly stop breathing during sleep. You may have repeated episodes of breathing interruptions during a single night's sleep There can be as many as 30 episodes per hour.
During pulse oximetry:
A small electronic device called a pulse oximeter will be clipped to a part of your body, usually a fingertip.
The oximeter uses a special type of light that passes through your skin and into your blood.
A sensor on the oximeter measures the amount of light. That measurement is used to figure out your blood oxygen level.
After a few seconds, the oximeter will provide a readout of your heart rate and oxygen level.
If you have a condition that affects lung function, your health care provider may recommend you use an at-home finger pulse oximeter or other oximeter to monitor your condition. Your provider will guide you on how to purchase and use your at-home device.
If you or your provider is using a finger pulse oximeter, you should remove any fingernail polish. Nail polish can block the light emitted from the oximeter.
There is no known risk to having pulse oximetry.
Results are often given as oxygen saturation levels. A normal oxygen saturation level ranges between 95 percent and 100 percent. Saturation levels may be somewhat lower and considered acceptable if you have a lung disease such as COPD or pneumonia. Levels may also be lower if you live in an area with higher elevation.
If you are using an at-home oximeter, you should contact your health care provider if your oxygen saturation level is 92 percent or lower. If it falls to 88 percent or lower, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Pulse oximetry results may be 2 to 4 percent higher or lower than your actual blood oxygen level. For a more accurate result, your provider may do a blood test called an arterial blood gas.
But this test can be painful. It also cannot be used at home or for continuous monitoring. You may need both types of tests to manage your condition.
http://dodd.ohio.gov/HealthandSafety/Documents/Cat1O2SaturationMonitorHRAOCT2017.pdf [accessed on Dec 18, 2018]
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/pulse-oximetry.pdf [accessed on Dec 18, 2018]
Pulse Oximetry - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [accessed on Dec 18, 2018]
He pushed for pulse ox screening. Then his grandson’s pulse ox level was dangerously low. | American Heart Association [accessed on Dec 18, 2018]
Pulse Oximetry & O2 Saturation: What Do You Need to Know? | Inogen [accessed on Dec 18, 2018]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (16)
Pulse, Hand, Health Care Providers
Image by backy3723/Pixabay
Blood circulation: Red = oxygenated (arteries), Blue = deoxygenated (veins)
Oximetry - Blood circulation: Red = oxygenated (arteries), Blue = deoxygenated (veins)
Image by User:Sansculotte
Evolution of the Pulse Oximeter
Video by NHLBI/Vimeo
How To: Check Your Pulse
Video by Baylor College of Medicine/YouTube
The Fitness Model Without a Pulse
Video by Great Big Story/YouTube
Vital Signs- For Beginners
Video by Stephanie Rodriguez/YouTube
"Pulse Oximetry" by Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH for OPENPediatrics
Video by OPENPediatrics/YouTube
Pulse Oximeter | How to Use It? How does Pulse Oximetry Work?
Video by Respiratory Therapy Zone/YouTube
Clinical Skills: Pulse oximetry
Video by Osmosis/YouTube
Pulse Oximetry NEJM
Video by បូ សុធា/YouTube
Oxygen Content and Oxygen Saturation
Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
Measuring oxygenation in poorly perfused patients
Video by Philips Healthcare/YouTube
Pulse Oximetry for Newborns
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
OxyWatch C20 Pulse Oximeter
A finger mounted pulse oximeter with pulse bar taking measurement through the fingernail.
Image by Thinkpaul/Wikimedia
Pulse oximetry spectrum
Hemoglobin absorbance spectrum in pulse oximetry
Image by Paweł Ziemian/Wikimedia
Pulse Ox, Oximetry, Oxygenation
Image by kkirkemtp/Pixabay
Pulse, Hand, Health Care Providers
backy3723/Pixabay
Blood circulation: Red = oxygenated (arteries), Blue = deoxygenated (veins)
User:Sansculotte
6:42
Evolution of the Pulse Oximeter
NHLBI/Vimeo
2:48
How To: Check Your Pulse
Baylor College of Medicine/YouTube
2:24
The Fitness Model Without a Pulse
Great Big Story/YouTube
3:20
Vital Signs- For Beginners
Stephanie Rodriguez/YouTube
16:07
"Pulse Oximetry" by Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH for OPENPediatrics
OPENPediatrics/YouTube
10:25
Pulse Oximeter | How to Use It? How does Pulse Oximetry Work?
Respiratory Therapy Zone/YouTube
4:12
Clinical Skills: Pulse oximetry
Osmosis/YouTube
16:06
Pulse Oximetry NEJM
បូ សុធា/YouTube
13:30
Oxygen Content and Oxygen Saturation
Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
6:46
Measuring oxygenation in poorly perfused patients
Philips Healthcare/YouTube
1:53
Pulse Oximetry for Newborns
Lee Health/YouTube
OxyWatch C20 Pulse Oximeter
Thinkpaul/Wikimedia
Pulse oximetry spectrum
Paweł Ziemian/Wikimedia
Pulse Ox, Oximetry, Oxygenation
kkirkemtp/Pixabay
Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening
Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening
Also called: CCHD Newborn Screening, Newborn Screening for CCHD, Pulse Oximetry Screening for CCHD, Pulse Oximetry Screening of Newborns
Pulse oximetry screening uses a sensor to determine if your baby might have certain heart conditions called critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). CCHD is a group of serious heart conditions present at birth. Children with CCHD have any of a wide range of heart problems that arise when parts of the heart do not form correctly.
Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening
Also called: CCHD Newborn Screening, Newborn Screening for CCHD, Pulse Oximetry Screening for CCHD, Pulse Oximetry Screening of Newborns
Pulse oximetry screening uses a sensor to determine if your baby might have certain heart conditions called critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). CCHD is a group of serious heart conditions present at birth. Children with CCHD have any of a wide range of heart problems that arise when parts of the heart do not form correctly.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
%{saturation}
50
Your result is Pass.
However, pulse oximetry screening only detects certain types of heart problems. It does not find all heart problems. Babies who develop any health problems, especially trouble breathing, changes in energy level, or trouble eating, need more testing—even if their pulse oximetry screening results were in-range.
Related conditions
Newborn screening for critical CHDs involves a simple bedside test called pulse oximetry. This test estimates the amount of oxygen in a baby’s blood. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can be a sign of a critical CHD. The test is done using a machine called a pulse oximeter, with sensors placed on the baby’s skin. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes.
CCHD is a group of serious heart conditions present at birth. Children with CCHD have any of a wide range of heart problems that arise when parts of the heart do not form correctly.
In some forms of CCHD, the heart has trouble delivering oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Babies with these forms of CCHD have low levels of oxygen in their blood. Measuring your baby’s blood oxygen level can help see if your baby needs urgent heart treatment.
Some babies born with a critical CHD appear healthy at first, and they may be sent home before their heart defect is detected. These babies are at risk of having serious complications within the first few days or weeks of life, and often require emergency care. Newborn screening is a tool that can identify some of these babies so they can receive prompt care and treatment. Timely care may prevent disability or death early in life.
Following is a step-by-step guide explaining how pulse oximetry screening happens:
Between 24 and 48 hours after birth, a health care provider will tell you that it is time for your newborn’s pulse oximetry screening.
The health care provider will place a small wrap on your baby’s skin, usually around the right hand or wrist and on either foot. One side of the wrap has a light, and the other has a sensor.
The health care provider will connect the wrap to a monitor that uses the sensor’s reading to calculate how much oxygen is in your baby’s blood. Using the numbers on this monitor, the health care provider can tell whether your baby might have CCHD.
Babies who do not pass pulse oximetry screening the first time may repeat it or may need further testing.
Results from pulse oximetry screening are ready as soon as the screening is done.
No special preparations are necessary. Your baby must be at least 24 hours of age to allow his or her lungs and heart to adapt to life outside the womb.
No risks are associated with this test.
Pulse oximetry screening is most likely to detect seven of the critical CHDs. These seven defects are hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, transposition of the great arteries, tricuspid atresia, and truncus arteriosus. Other heart defects can be just as severe as these seven and also require treatment soon after birth. However, pulse oximetry screening may not detect these heart defects as consistently as the seven listed above.
Pass
If the baby passes the screen (also called “negative” or “in-range” result), it means that the baby’s test results did not show signs of a low level of oxygen in the blood. A baby that passes the screen is unlikely to have a critical CHD. However, not all babies with a critical CHD will have a low level of oxygen in the blood that is detected during newborn screening. Thus, it is possible for a baby who passes the screen to still have a critical CHD or other CHD.
Fail
If the baby fails the screen (also known as “positive” or “out-of-range” result), it means that the baby’s test results showed low levels of oxygen in the blood, which could be a sign of a critical CHD. This does not always mean that the baby has a critical CHD but could mean that more testing is needed. There may be other causes, such as breathing problems, for low levels of oxygen in the blood. The baby’s doctor might recommend that the baby get screened again or have more specific tests, like an echocardiogram (an ultrasound picture of the heart), to diagnose a critical CHD.
Your baby’s health care provider will help decide what test(s) your baby needs.
Pulse oximetry screening does not replace a complete history and physical examination, which sometimes can detect a critical CHD before oxygen levels in the blood become low. Pulse oximetry screening, therefore, should be used along with the physical examination.
Critical Congenital Heart Defects | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jan 7, 2020 [accessed on Dec 13, 2023]
Newborn Screening Process | Newborn Screening. Dec 11, 2023 [accessed on Dec 13, 2023]
Critical congenital heart disease | Baby's First Test | Newborn Screening | Baby Health [accessed on Mar 25, 2019]
Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening to Detect Critical Congenital Heart Disease - HealthyChildren.org [accessed on Mar 25, 2019]
Treatment
Ventricular Septal Defect Patch
Image by BruceBlaus
Ventricular Septal Defect Patch
A medical illustration depicting Ventricular Septal Defect Patch
Image by BruceBlaus
How Are Ventricular Septum Defects Treated?
Treatments for a ventricular septal defect depend on the size of the hole and the problems it might cause. Many ventricular septal defects are small and close on their own; if the hole is small and not causing any symptoms, the doctor will check the infant regularly to ensure there are no signs of heart failure and that the hole closes on its own. If the hole does not close on its own or if it is large, further actions might need to be taken.
Depending on the size of the hole, symptoms, and general health of the child, the doctor might recommend either cardiac catheterization or open-heart surgery to close the hole and restore normal blood flow. After surgery, the doctor will set up regular follow-up visits to make sure that the ventricular septal defect remains closed. Most children who have a ventricular septal defect that closes (either on its own or with surgery) live healthy lives.
Medicines
Some children will need medicines to help strengthen the heart muscle, lower their blood pressure, and help the body get rid of extra fluid.
Nutrition
Some babies with a ventricular septal defect become tired while feeding and do not eat enough to gain weight. To make sure babies have a healthy weight gain, a special high-calorie formula might be prescribed. Some babies become extremely tired while feeding and might need to be fed through a feeding tube.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
"Ventricular Septal Defects" by Dr. David Bailly for OPENPediatrics
Video by OPENPediatrics/YouTube
Haitian Baby Undergoes Surgery for Ventricular Septal Defect at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Video by Memorial Healthcare System/YouTube
British Heart Foundation - Children with CHD, What if my child needs surgery?
Video by British Heart Foundation/YouTube
Cardiac Catheterization: What You Can Expect
Video by UTMedSchoolSA/YouTube
12:24
"Ventricular Septal Defects" by Dr. David Bailly for OPENPediatrics
OPENPediatrics/YouTube
5:21
Haitian Baby Undergoes Surgery for Ventricular Septal Defect at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Memorial Healthcare System/YouTube
2:00
British Heart Foundation - Children with CHD, What if my child needs surgery?
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Ventricular Septal Defect
A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the ventricles, which are the two lower chambers of the heart. If the hole is large, this may make the heart and lungs work harder and may cause fluid to build up in the lungs. Learn more about ventricular septal defects.