From the left atrium it is passed via the mitral valve to the left ventricle. Again, when the heart muscle contracts, the mitral valve closes, and the pressure in the ventricle rises forcing open the aortic valve which allows blood to flow into the aorta, and from there in to the many vessels which supply the body with blood. Thus it can be seen that the right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, which is a relatively easy task, whilst the left side has the more difficult task of pumping blood all around the body. As a result, the pressures in the left ventricle are generally about four times greater than that in the right ventricle, and the wall of the left ventricle is thicker than that of the right.
A congenital heart defect is an abnormality in the structure of the heart which is present from birth. There are many different types, ranging from fairly ‘simple’ defects to complex problems involving all four chambers of the heart. Two patients with the same defect will not necessarily show the same symptoms, as the exact size and placing of the hole(s), width of arteries etc. will vary, and will result in a different presentation in each patient. Due to the high incidence of cardiac problems in patients with Down’s Syndrome, it is therefore recommended that all babies have an echocardiogram early in life, and any suspected abnormality is examined by a cardiologist who can make a complete diagnosis.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.dhg.org.uk)
