Diagnosing pulmonary atresia involves a series of exams and tests to confirm the condition.
During a physical exam, healthcare providers assess for:
- Cyanosis (a blue tint to the skin, lip and nails caused by a shortage of oxygen in the blood)
- Rapid breathing
- Heart murmurs
The presence of these symptoms may lead to further evaluation.
An echocardiogram (echo) records activity of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest that makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then wave a device called a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
A chest X-ray takes pictures of your heart, lungs and arteries. It can reveal signs of heart disease, such as enlarged areas or calcium deposits in your heart and fluid in your lungs.
An electrocardiogram provides information about your heart’s electrical activity. It can help your provider understand your heart rate and whether you have an arrhythmia. Alternatively, your provider might ask you to wear a monitor for a day or two to record how well your heart’s circuitry is working.
Pulse oximetry is a painless test that measures the blood's oxygen saturation levels. These levels can indicate the presence of a heart defect.
