Living with Complete atrioventricular canal
A heart difference present from birth in which there are openings between the heart's chambers and a shared valve.
Understanding Complete atrioventricular canal
There is one shared valve between the upper and lower chambers, plus an opening between the upper chambers and one between the lower chambers. Blood flows across both openings. Symptoms start in newborns and infants.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fast breathing and chest pulling in with breaths
- Fast heart rate
- Feeding difficulties
- Slow weight gain (failure to thrive)
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
- Heart failure
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: atrioventricular canal type ventricular septal defect; cavc; common atrioventricular canal; complete atrioventricular canal defect; complete atrioventricular septal defect; complete atrioventricular septal defect with atrial and ventricular components
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Complete atrioventricular canal.
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