Ebstein’s Anomaly

What Is Ebstein’s Anomaly? 

Ebstein’s anomaly is a condition caused by a damaged tricuspid valve. This valve separates the top and bottom chambers on the right side of your heart. When the valve doesn’t function correctly, blood flows backward from the bottom to the heart's top chambers.

Ebstein’s anomaly can cause an enlarged heart, irregular heartbeat or heart failureThe experienced team at Emory Heart & Vascular can help you manage this condition.

Symptoms of Ebstein’s Anomaly 

Ebstein’s anomaly is rare, and the causes are unknown. It is a congenital heart condition, which means it is present at birth. Some babies have few or no symptoms. Signs of Ebstein’s anomaly may not show up until adulthood.

Symptoms include:

  • Blue or gray lips or fingernails
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Pounding, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the legs, belly and around the eyes
Ebstein’s anomaly treatments vary depending on how severe your condition is. The knowledgeable heart experts at Emory Healthcare offer surgical and non-surgical Ebstein’s anomaly treatment.

Diagnosing Ebstein’s Anomaly 

A doctor may find Ebstein’s anomaly at routine checkups during pregnancy. Or they can diagnose it at birth.

For children or adults, your doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your heart. They may also measure the oxygen in your blood.

Other tests include:

  • Cardiac MRI: Shows heart performance
  • Chest X-ray: Provides a picture of the heart
  • Echocardiogram: Shows how blood flows through the heart and valves
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Checks the heartbeat
  • Exercise stress test: Indicates how the heart responds to physical activity
  • Holter monitor: Tracks your heartbeat when you wear this portable ECG device for 24-48 hours
  • Special procedures: Assesses your heart through a thin, plastic tube (catheter) inserted into the heart

Your doctor can determine which tests you may need to diagnose your condition.

Complications from Ebstein’s Anomaly 

Babies born with Ebstein’s anomaly may also have other heart problems. These include:

  • Holes in the heart: Can lower the amount of oxygen in the blood
  • Irregular heartbeats: May make the heart work harder
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: Causes a rapid heartbeat  

Adults with Ebstein’s anomaly may experience heart failure, a heart attack, or a stroke

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