Ebstein’s Anomaly and Its Effects on the Human Body

Ebstein’s anomaly is a heart disease that is also often called as Ebstein’s malformation. It is a condition wherein the heart’s tricuspid valve becomes deformed. Normally, the tricuspid valve has three leaflets or flaps. If a person suffers from Ebstein’s anomaly, one or more of these flaps are wedged into the heart’s wall. In essence, they don’t get to move at all. And if they do, their movement is very minimal and not within normal parameters. And as a result, the heart may leak and some of the blood it pumps will go back through the heart’s valves.

People suffering from Ebstein’s anomaly would have symptoms like rapid heartbeats and rhythms. This condition is called supraventricular tachycardia. A common episode of this disease is severe palpitations. Palpitation, on the other hand, is a condition wherein one feels that his or her heartbeat is racing. And aside from these symptoms, patients may also feel dizzy and lightheaded. They could also experience chest discomforts and have the tendency to faint on some occasions.

Other problems that could arise from this disease include decreased stamina, cyanosis, fatigue, and possibly, fluid retention on certain parts of the body. These problems arise because the valve gets more leaky as time goes by. If one or more of these symptoms are felt, it is a must that you go to a cardiologist for a diagnostic consultation.

To treat this disease, medications are first prescribed. Drugs that heal this disease are called diuretics. These drugs work to flush out the excess fluids in the body. Ebstein’s anomaly is usually mild so surgery does not become an option just yet. But if the condition becomes severe, heart failure may result. That’s the time when surgery becomes required.

To diagnose this disease, tests like electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and chest x-ray are performed. Chest x-ray is used to check the heart’s size, which is probably enlarged because of the disease. Echocardiogram is performed to determine the condition of the heart’s valves, including any leakage or narrowing it has. Electrocardiogram or ECG records the rhythm of the heart. It will effectively assess the heart’s functions during and after any physical activity. And once Ebstein’s anomaly is diagnosed, continued medical care should be carried out. Whatever your cardiologist recommends, it is a must that you follow it accordingly.

One thing that he may tell you to do is to stay active. Being physically dynamic is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. The doctor should also tell you how far you could go, as far as physical activities are concerned. If your condition is rather mild, participation in most sports should be okay. But if the disease is in its advanced levels, then playing intense sports will not be allowed.

People with Ebstein’s anomaly should also take proper caution before undergoing other surgical as well as dental procedures. This is due to endocarditis. You have to be protected from the bacteria that may arise from either the dental or surgical operation performed on you.

In general, people with heart problems should take extra care if and when they decide to get pregnant. Pregnancy means additional workload for the heart. Those who have mild Ebstein’s anomaly should be able to safely deliver their children most of the time. But however mild the case may be, pregnant patients have to be regularly monitored by their respective health care professional.

Surgery was found to be helpful in patients who have Ebstein’s anomaly. Research had shown that 93% of the patients improved significantly as far as their condition is concerned. Out of 189 patients studied, 177 of them had their heart failure condition getting better.