Symptoms

Atrioventricular canal defect can involve only the two upper chambers of the heart (partial defect) or all four chambers (complete defect). In both types, extra blood flows into the lungs. Signs and symptoms depend on whether the defect is partial or complete.

Complete defect

Signs and symptoms of a complete atrioventricular canal defect usually develop in the first several weeks of life. These signs and symptoms are generally similar to those associated with heart failure and might include:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Poor weight gain
• Pale skin color
• Bluish discoloration of the lips and skin
• Excessive sweating
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet (edema)

Partial defect

Signs and symptoms of a partial atrioventricular canal defect might not appear until early adulthood and might be related to complications that develop as a result of the defect. These signs and symptoms can include:

• Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
• Heart valve problems
• Heart failure