Ebstein’s Anomaly is a serious congenital heart defect that, if not treated, can result in heart failure.
It involves malfunctioning valves in your heart that don’t seal properly, allowing blood to flow backwards within the organ.
The British Heart Foundation points out: “This means blood can flow the wrong way in your heart. If more blood flows backwards into your right atrium (the upper chamber of your heart), it can make your atrium bigger.
“It can also make your right ventricle (the lower chamber of your heart) smaller and less effective than normal. Over time, because your heart is working harder than normal, it can lead to heart failure.”
There are often no noticeable symptoms, but some patients may only have a heart murmur, a “swishing noise” doctors can hear when using a stethoscope, caused by the reversed blood flow.
Other more subtle symptoms might include having blue or grey lips or nails due to poor blood circulation, though these indications might be less visible on darker skin tones.
Fatigue, breathlessness during exercise, and irregular or additional heartbeats could be signs of Ebstein’s anomaly, the charity warned: “(These) symptoms can be a sign that your heart is working harder than normal, and you may need treatment.”
Ebstein’s anomaly is a condition present from birth, with most cases typically diagnosed in newborns during initial health screenings.
However, adults can also receive a diagnosis, often alongside other heart conditions such as atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO).
The approach to treating Ebstein’s anomaly varies based on things like age, severity, and symptoms.
While some people with a less severe form may only require routine monitoring, others might need surgical intervention to repair or replace the heart valves.
In some cases, pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators are recommended, along with medications to manage symptoms and enhance heart function.
The British Heart Foundation highlighted the positive outlook for those treated for Ebstein’s anomaly, stating: “Most people live a normal, healthy life after having Ebstein’s anomaly repaired.
“It’s important to go to your follow-up appointments. Your specialist team will let you know how often they need to see you to make sure your heart is healthy.”
