Symptoms And Treatments For Heart Conditions You Didn't Know Existed

Eisenmenger Syndrome

Eisenmenger syndrome is a rare complication stemming from congenital heart defects. It occurs when a congenital heart defect results in a hole developing between the two major heart chambers. This hole causes abnormal blood circulation in the heart and lungs, specifically increasing pressure in the lungs and reversing the direction of blood flow. In turn, this narrows and stiffens the arteries in the lungs, causing permanent damage. Symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, fainting, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and blue or gray skin. However, the most common symptom is the clubbing of hands, which means the patient has large, rounded fingernails.

Treatment for Eisenmenger syndrome includes medication, lifestyle adjustments, and frequent monitoring by a cardiologist. Lifestyle adjustments involve avoiding high altitudes, restricting strenuous exercise, avoiding situations that may lower blood pressure (e.g., saunas), always consulting about supplements and medication, and avoiding smoking. Surgery is never recommended once Eisenmenger syndrome develops, as any surgery is life-threatening with this condition. A heart-lung transplant will only be considered if no other treatments have proven effective. Women with Eisenmenger syndrome should also avoid becoming pregnant, and they should not go on birth control, as both of these raise the risk of serious complications.