Tetralogy of Fallot

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

While the exact cause of tetralogy of Fallot is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a baby being born with this condition. These include:

  • A viral illness in the mother, such as rubella (German measles), during pregnancy
  • Maternal alcoholism
  • Poor nutrition
  • A mother older than 40
  • A parent with tetralogy of Fallot
  • Babies who are also born with Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome
Complications Causes
References
  1. Tetralogy of Fallot. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/tof. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
  2. Doyle T, et al. Overview of the management of tetralogy of Fallot. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
  3. Bailliard F, et al. Tetralogy of Fallot. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2009;4:2.
  4. Tetralogy of Fallot. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/TetralogyOfFallot.html. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
  5. Apitz C, et al. Tetralogy of Fallot. The Lancet. 2009;374:1462.
  6. Warnes CA, et al. ACC/AHA 2008 guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease. 2008;118:714.
DS00615 Feb. 23, 2012

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