Download Eisenmenger`s Syndrome - OSU Patient Education Materials

Eisenmenger’s Syndrome
This is a rare heart condition that was first described in 1897 by Dr. Victor Eisenmenger.
People with this syndrome usually are born with a large hole in the heart. Often, the hole is
between the two large pumping chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. This is called a
ventricular septal defect, or VSD. Oxygen rich blood and oxygen poor blood can flow back and
forth through the hole between the chambers, causing more pressure. The pressure can
cause damage to the heart and the lungs over time.
Causes
Although VSD is the most common cause of this syndrome, other heart defects that people
are born with can cause Eisenmenger's Syndrome:
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Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - hole between the aorta and pulmonary artery
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Atrial septal defect (ASD) - hole in the wall between the upper storage chambers of the
heart, called the atria
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Cyanotic heart defects, like a heart with only one pumping chamber
Symptoms
Symptoms result from low oxygen levels in the blood and the heart not being able to pump
well. Some of the symptoms include:
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Shortness of breath with any activity
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Feeling very tired and weak
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Chest pain
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Elevated red blood cell counts (erythrocytosis)
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Irregular heart beat
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Fainting
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Bluish lips, finger tips, and toes from low oxygen (cyanosis)
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Changes in finger nails or enlarged finger tips, called clubbing
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Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
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Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the disease, but may include:
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Taking medicines
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Using oxygen
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Daily walking and stretching exercises
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Preventing respiratory infections
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Weight control
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Surgery to repair the heart defect
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Heart and/or Lung transplant
© Copyright, (7/2001)
Department of Lung Transplant Services
The Ohio State University Medical Center
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