How Do You Spell LEFT TO RIGHT SHUNT?

1. A left to right shunt is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal flow of blood within the heart, specifically between the left and right sides of the heart. In a healthy heart, oxygenated blood is transported from the lungs to the left side of the heart and then pumped out to the body through the aorta. Deoxygenated blood returns from the body to the right side of the heart and is pumped to the lungs for oxygenation.

   In the case of a left to right shunt, there is an opening or connection between the left and right sides of the heart that allows oxygenated blood to mix with deoxygenated blood and flow from the left side of the heart to the right side of the heart. This results in an abnormal amount of blood returning to the lungs, as oxygenated blood is being shunted back into the right side of the heart instead of being pumped out to the body.

   Left to right shunts can occur due to congenital heart defects or acquired conditions. Examples of congenital defects that can result in a left to right shunt include atrial septal defects (ASDs), ventricular septal defects (VSDs), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Acquired conditions such as damage to the heart valves or certain lung diseases can also cause a left to right shunt.

   Left to right shunts can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, increased work of breathing, and poor growth in infants. Long-term, they can also result in complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Treatment options for left to right shunts depend on the underlying cause, but may include medications, surgical repair, or intervention procedures to close the abnormal connection between the left and right sides of the heart.

Common Misspellings for LEFT TO RIGHT SHUNT

Plural form of LEFT TO RIGHT SHUNT is LEFT TO RIGHT SHUNTS