What is the term that describes the combination of four specific heart defects including ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis?

The term that describes the combination of four specific heart defects, which include ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta, is known as Tetralogy of Fallot. This congenital heart defect is characterized by these four anatomical abnormalities, which together cause reduced blood flow to the lungs and oxygen-poor blood being pumped to the body.

Understanding Tetralogy of Fallot is essential because it highlights how these defects interact to affect overall cardiac function. The ventricular septal defect allows blood to flow between the ventricles, while pulmonary stenosis obstructs blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, leading to the right ventricle having to work harder, which results in hypertrophy. An overriding aorta further complicates blood flow by allowing oxygen-poor blood to enter systemic circulation.

The other conditions listed represent different congenital heart defects that do not share the same combination of abnormalities as Tetralogy of Fallot. Knowing these distinctions helps in identifying and treating various congenital issues associated with heart development.