Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

A to Z: Ebstein's Anomaly

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital (present at birth) defect in the right side of the heart. The cause is unknown.

More to Know

Someone with Ebstein's anomaly has a malformed (not formed correctly) and improperly positioned tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve separates the two chambers on the right side of the heart. In a person with Ebstein's anomaly, the valve doesn't close properly, which causes blood to leak back from the lower chamber (ventricle) to the upper chamber (atrium). This disrupts blood flow and makes the heart work inefficiently, which can lead to enlargement of the right atrium, insufficient red blood supply to the body, or heart failure.

Ebstein's anomaly varies in severity from person to person. A newborn showing signs of the condition may be seriously ill and need surgery while someone whose symptoms don't appear until adulthood may not need any treatment.

Signs and symptoms of Ebstein's anomaly include shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid breathing, failure to grow, swelling in the legs, and a bluish skin color around the lips and nails. The condition is often associated with other heart defects, such as atrial septal defect (ASD), pulmonary (valve) stenosis, and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Keep in Mind

The long-term outlook for people with Ebstein's anomaly varies greatly, but with treatment and close monitoring by a cardiologist, most people with the disorder can go on to live healthy and productive lives.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.