Definition:Tetralogy of Fallot (often abbreviated as TOF) is a medical term that refers to a specific heart condition that someone is born with, known as a congenital heart defect. This condition affects the heart and is characterized by four main problems: 1. Pulmonary Stenosis: A narrowing of the pathway from the heart to the lungs. 2. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). 3. Malposition of the Aorta: The aorta (the main blood vessel that carries blood to the body) is positioned incorrectly, sitting over both ventricles instead of just the left ventricle. 4. Hypertrophy of the Right Ventricle: The right ventricle becomes thicker and enlarged because it has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed pathway.
Tetralogy of Fallot is a serious heart condition present at birth, involving four specific heart defects. Understanding this term is important for discussions about congenital heart defects and their treatment.