Atrioventricular Canal

The proper development of the Atrioventricular canal into its prospective components (The heart septum and associated valves) to create a clear division between the 4 compartments of the heart and ensure proper blood movement through the heart, are essential for proper heart function. When this process does not happen correctly, a child will develop Atrioventricular Canal Defect which occurs in 2 out of every 10,000 births. It also has a correlation with Down Syndrome because 20% of children with Down Syndrome suffer from Atrioventricular Canal Disease as well. This is a very serious condition and surgery is necessary within the first six months of life for a child. Half of the children who are untreated with this condition die during their first year due to heart failure of pneumonia.

Atrioventricular Canal Defect is a combination of abnormalities of the heart and is present at birth. There is a problem when there are holes present in the walls that separate chambers (septum), as well as when valves are incorrectly constructed. There are other names for these heart abnormalities such as Endocardial Cushion Defect or Atrioventricular Septal Defect

Read more about Atrioventricular Canal:  Healthy Heart Overview, Development of Atrioventricular Canal Disorder

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