When Blood Takes a Detour: Understanding a Cardiac Shunt

The heart is designed to move blood in a perfectly timed, one-way system- but what happens when that flow takes a detour? A cardiac shunt is a condition where blood moves abnormally between the chambers of the heart or major blood vessels, disrupting the body’s natural circulation.

Some cardiac shunts are present from birth, while others develop later due to heart disease or surgery. The impact can range from mild and symptom-free to more serious issues like breathlessness, fatigue, or frequent infections. 

If you are still wondering, “What is a cardiac shunt?”  Let’s break down the cardiac shunt in detail and look at its causes, signs, and management. 

What Is A Cardiac Shunt?

Here is the cardiac shunt definition:

A cardiac shunt is an unusual passage that moves blood from one part of the circulation to another. Normally, blood flows in a loop: from the body to the heart, then to the lungs, and back to the body. A shunt changes this and causes either oxygen-rich or oxygen-poor blood to mix or bypass the circulation.

This changes how much oxygen reaches the organs and muscles. The impact varies, from mild and silent changes to noticeable effects depending on the type and size of the shunt.

Types of Cardiac Shunts

There are two classifications based on the direction of blood flow:

Left to right cardiac shunt

Here, oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart flows to the right side. As a result, extra blood is pushed towards the lungs. This is more common in childhood congenital heart conditions and may be seen in interatrial cardiac shunts (where blood passes between the heart’s upper chambers).

Right to left cardiac shunt

Here, oxygen-poor blood bypasses the lungs and moves to the left side of the heart. This means less oxygen is delivered to the body’s tissues, which might lead to bluish skin or lips in certain cases.

The direction of blood flow determines how the body’s oxygen levels are changed and what signs a person may experience.

Common Signs of Cardiac Shunt

These signs vary depending on the type, size, and whether the shunt has been present since birth or developed later in life. Cardiac shunt symptoms may also change with physical activity or age. Some everyday effects include:

• Getting tired easily
  
• Shortness of breath while exercising
  
• Swelling in the legs
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• Poor balance

Causes & Risk Factors

The most common shunts are structural heart differences from birth, such as congenital heart conditions. A shunt might also develop later due to changes in heart pressures or medical conditions affecting the lungs or circulation. Factors that may contribute include:

• Heart chamber wall openings (patent foramen ovale) are present after birth
  
• Hole in the wall of lower chambers (Ventricular septal defect)
  
• Changes in lung pressure due to chronic lung disease
  
• Hereditary congenital heart issues
  
• Genetic conditions that affect heart development

Congenital heart conditions are one of the most common heart conditions at birth, as it affects around 8 of 1000 live births. They can vary in complexity and influence shunting depending on how structures were formed. 

How Is It Diagnosed?

Typical diagnosis consists of a medical professional assessing the person’s symptoms and medical history to assess heart and blood circulation. Here are common evaluations: 

• A physical examination to listen for unusual heart sounds
  
• Echocardiograms or ECGs are taken to see blood movement
  
• Oxygen-level assessments during rest or activity

Try not to self-diagnose, as the signs can be indicative of other issues as well, and without a proper medical evaluation, they cannot determine if a shunt is present. 

Treatment & Management Options

Heart shunt treatment varies for different shunts, blood flow direction and the effect on oxygen delivery. In milder cases, monitoring may be the only thing required if there are no noticeable changes in daily life. In other cases, treatment may include:

• Surgeries to close the openings in some cases
  
• Exercises to reduce pressure on the lungs
  
• Lifestyle adjustments and activity management

Regular monitoring in growing children ensures the heart keeps up with the developmental needs. The adults with a heart shunt need testing to manage lung and circulation pressures. 

Note: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and not directed as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before deciding on treatments. 

Diet & Lifestyle Support

The diet cannot help the anatomical cause of the shunt, but it can support heart and lung health with these strategies: 

• Eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to support circulation
  
• Moderate, doctor-approved physical activity to promote stamina
  
• Avoiding smoking or activities that strain the lungs
  
• Maintaining a healthy body weight, which reduces cardiovascular stress
  
• Managing stress through meditation and breathing techniques

When to See a Doctor

If there is constant shortness of breath in daily activities, randomly increased fatigue or changes in exercise routines, please get checked by a doctor. If there is a diagnosed shunt, regular follow-ups are good for monitoring.  

Conclusion

Cardiac shunts affect blood flow direction in the heart, and the effects range from mild to noticeable depending on the severity. But modern diagnostic tools, timely evaluation and careful management can help lead a healthy life. If there are any signs, such as lower stamina, please consult a medical professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Cardiac Shunt