Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Dextrocardia, Adult
Dextrocardia is a condition where the heart is in an abnormal position. People who have this condition are born with it. With dextrocardia, the heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of on the left side. In most people with dextrocardia, other organs in the chest and abdomen are also reversed. These include the lungs, stomach, liver, and spleen. If the heart and other organs are in a reversed or “mirror image” position, this is called dextrocardia with situs inversus.
In many cases, the heart and organs function normally in people with dextrocardia, and the condition does not cause symptoms. Some people with the condition may also have other abnormalities that can cause symptoms.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. It may be caused by gene defects passed down through families.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if you have a family history of the condition.
What are the signs or symptoms?
This condition may not cause any symptoms if your heart and other organs are reversed but otherwise normal. You may have the condition without knowing it.
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Kartagener’s syndrome. This condition causes mucus to collect in the lungs and upper airways. Symptoms include:
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Shortness of breath.
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A wet cough.
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Frequent lung infections.
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Frequent ear and sinus infections.
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Other heart defects (less common). If you have a heart defect, you may have:
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Shortness of breath.
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Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis).
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Enlarged fingertips (clubbing).
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How is this diagnosed?
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An electrocardiogram (ECG).
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A chest X-ray.
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An MRI.
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A CT scan. This is the preferred method to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this treated?
Treatment is not needed for this condition if your heart and other organs are functioning normally. Treatment may be necessary if you have another condition associated with dextrocardia.
Treatment for Kartagener’s syndrome may include medicines to thin mucus and antibiotics to treat infections. Treatment of heart defects may require heart medicines and heart surgery.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Let all of your health care providers know you have dextrocardia before having any exam, treatment, procedure, or surgery.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have a fever.
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You feel short of breath.
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You have a persistent cough, headache, or earache.
Get help right away if:
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You have chest pain.
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You have trouble breathing.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Dextrocardia is a condition where the heart is in an abnormal position at birth. With this condition, the heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of on the left side.
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You may also be born with other organs in a reversed position. This is called dextrocardia with situs inversus.
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This condition does not require treatment unless you have an associated condition.
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Always let a health care provider know you have dextrocardia before having any exam, treatment, procedure, or surgery.
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Get help right away if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
