My fiance has tetralogy of fallot. He has had 2 valve replacements in his life, but is 35 and overall healthy. Nobody in his family ever had this. He is very hesitant about us having children because of his battle with it (scared he won't be around) and his fear he will pass it on. He is not interested in adopting, so if the hereditary chance is high, then we will not have children at all. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.
2006-09-01 07:49:28 · 5 answers · asked by Ame C 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
It's not hereditary ... it's congenital
Hmmm... chromosome 22 deletions
I guess some forms can be inherited.
Ah - there you go - DiGeorge syndrome - genetic basis.
Dr Trisha McNair:
The cause of Fallot's tetralogy isn't fully understood. While the baby is in the womb, something interferes with the development of the heart and major blood vessels. Although no specific single genetic abnormality has yet been found to explain every case, genetics often do play a part in these types of malformations (known as conotruncal abnormalities), and in some children a particular genetic problem can be identified (for example, DiGeorge syndrome).
Some researchers have suggested that Fallot's tetralogy is caused by an autosomal recessive gene which has yet to be identified, and which has variable penetrance (that is, doesn't always cause disease). But this is far from proven, and Fallot's tetralogy has also been linked to certain medications and also to alcohol taken by the mother while pregnant. Whatever the cause, in those families who have a child with Fallot's the risk of a second child being born with the condition is only increased very slightly.
2006-09-01 07:52:41 · answer #1 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I wish you would e-mail me I know alot about it. I was born with tet and at 8 moths. had open heart surgery. I am now fine but i do have a long scar and three little holes on my chest. Honestly, the doctors told my mom it was rare and not hereditary. I have always been afraid if i had kids they would have the same problem, but I have been assured by a few doctors, the chance of me being a tet baby and having a tet baby are highly unlikely, they said the chances would be astronomical. If he really worries, ask your doctor. Anyway, good luck to the two of you and I hope everything works out. Your husband will be in my prayers, if you have anymore questions, go a head e-mail me. Anything I don't know about tet- I'm know my mom does, she studied it for a very long time while she was worried about me.
2006-09-01 14:59:42 · answer #2 · answered by sammyw1024 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really pre se. 99.9% of the time, the hereditary diseases that go hand in hand with TOF cause the fetus to be spontaneously aborted in the first trimester. It is possible to pass the gene that causes the diseaese and have the fetus develop normally as well. In other words, it is possible, but VERY unlikely. Its like saying it is possible that you will visit Venus one day. You cannot say it isnt possible, but the reality is that it isnt going to happen. Same here. And we can do quite a few tests for high risk patients to see what is going on ahead of time. I hope this helps.
2006-09-01 14:57:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tetrology of fallot is a congenital heart defect. Meaning it occurs during the development of the baby in womb. it is detected at birth. It is a structural defect. Most babies who have this defect usually get it corrected within their first year and live healthy normal llives after that. It is not hereditary to my knowledge. Your fiance needs to speak to his physician to address his concerns. good luck to you both.
2006-09-01 15:04:25 · answer #4 · answered by spycee 22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is a congenital condition. I had it but I have since had a heart transplant. I too had the same concern as your fiance but my doctors said that since it was congenital and not hereditary that the chance was extremely unlikely.
2006-09-03 18:23:51 · answer #5 · answered by graycee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋