Living with Transposition of the great arteries
A rare heart defect present at birth in which the two main heart arteries are connected in the wrong places.
Understanding Transposition of the great arteries
Because of the switch, blood low in oxygen is pumped to the body, while oxygen-rich blood only circulates between the heart and lungs. Symptoms usually appear soon after birth.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these symptoms, which usually appear soon after birth:
- Severe trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
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 heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Adult Congenital Heart Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Adult Congenital Heart Association
- 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 Adult Congenital Heart Association and other patient organizations
- 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 the exact cause is unknown in most babies.
Also known as: classical transposition of great vessels; complete transposition; complete transposition of great vessels; great vessels transposition; tga; tgv
Patient organizations
- Adult Congenital Heart AssociationTransposition of the great arteries · United States
- Mended HeartsTransposition of the great arteries · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Transposition of the great arteries.
Explore research for Transposition of the great arteries
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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