Most people have their heart positioned on the left side of the chest. But in rare cases, a person is born with the heart on the right side, a condition known as dextrocardia. You must have come across at least a single person with this condition.
Even though dextrocardia is extremely rare, it occurs in about 1 in 12,000 people globally. It occurs when the heart’s apex (the pointed lower tip) faces the right instead of the left.
Its name comes from Latin words dextro (right) and cardia (heart). Although some people with dextrocardia live healthy lives without symptoms, others may experience complications depending on how their organs and heart structures developed. Most cases are identified at birth or during a chest X-ray later in life.
This article breaks down what dextrocardia is, its causes, complications, diagnosis, and treatment.
(Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.)
Let’s Understand Dextrocardia More
Forms of Dextrocardia
1. Dextrocardia Situs Inversus
In this type, the heart is on the right side, and other internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and stomach, are also reversed like a mirror image. This is called situs inversus, a complete organ reversal that often causes no symptoms.
2. Isolated Dextrocardia (Situs Solitus)
Here, only the heart is reversed, while other organs remain in their usual positions. This type has a higher chance of being associated with heart defects.
3. Dextroposition
This is not true dextrocardia. Instead, the heart is to the right due to another condition, such as lung disease or abnormalities in the chest cavity.
Why Does Dextrocardia Happen
Dextrocardia develops very early in fetal growth, within the first few weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the heart tube loops and rotates to the left. In dextrocardia, this loop rotates abnormally toward the right.
The exact cause is not always known, but identified factors include:
1. Genetic Causes
Some cases occur due to genetic mutations affecting early organ development. For example, defects in genes that guide organ placement (left–right patterning) can lead to organ reversal.
2. Associated Genetic Syndromes
Some people with dextrocardia have related syndromes such as:
- Kartagener syndrome, which includes chronic lung infections and sinus problems.
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), where malfunctioning cilia affect organ development.
3. Unknown Causes
In many cases, no clear cause is identified, and the condition is considered sporadic.
What are the Symptoms of Dextrocardia
Not everyone with dextrocardia experiences symptoms. People with dextrocardia situs inversus often live normal lives without knowing they have the condition.
However, others may experience:
- Breathing problems
- Chronic sinus infections
- Heart murmurs
- Fatigue
- Cyanosis (bluish skin), in cases with congenital heart defects
- Digestive issues (rare)
The presence and severity of symptoms depend on whether the heart and other organs developed normally.
How Dextrocardia Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually happens through routine imaging, often when a healthcare provider notices heart sounds on the right side.
Tests include:
1. Chest X-Ray
X-rays help identify this condition, showing the heart shadow on the right side.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Here, the electrical patterns appear “reversed,” a key clue to this condition.
3. Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)
In this test, heart structures and blood flow can indicate abnormalities.
4. CT or MRI Scans
Tools like CT or MRI scans provide detailed images of organ placement.
5. Genetic Testing
It is used when syndromes like PCD or Kartagener syndrome are suspected.
Can Dextrocardia Cause Complications
On its own, dextrocardia is not always dangerous. Many individuals, especially those with dextrocardia situs inversus, have a normal life expectancy.
However, when associated with congenital defects, it may increase the risk of:
- Heart valve abnormalities
- Holes in the heart (septal defects)
- Complex structural heart issues
- Respiratory problems due to ciliary disorders
Among people with complete situs inversus, only 5–10% develop congenital heart defects, much lower than in dextrocardia without organ reversal.
Children with dextrocardia have a higher-than-average chance of congenital heart disease, especially if situs inversus is absent.
What Is the Treatment & Management
There is no cure for repositioning the heart to the left side, and this condition itself usually does not need treatment.
Instead, treatment focuses on associated conditions:
1. Managing Heart Defects
Children with structural defects may need treatments in the form of medication, catheter-based procedures, and surgery.
2. Treating Respiratory Problems
Those with Kartagener syndrome or PCD may require treatments such as airway clearance therapy, antibiotics for infections, and regular lung monitoring.
3. Preventive Care
The available preventive care includes routine heart evaluations, screening for organ-related issues, and monitoring during surgery or emergency care (as organ positions differ).
Living With Dextrocardia
People with dextrocardia can live normal, healthy lives, especially if no significant defects are present.
However, it’s important to:
- Inform healthcare providers, especially in times of surgeries and emergencies.
- Stay updated with cardiac check-ups
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms
Conclusion
Dextrocardia is a rare but fascinating condition where the heart sits on the right side of the chest. While many individuals experience no complications, others may face challenges depending on heart structure and organ development. With modern imaging, early diagnosis, and specialised care, people with dextrocardia can enjoy full, healthy lives.
If you found this article helpful, share it with others; you might help someone understand a rare condition better and find this secret about their heart.
Sanskruti Jadhav
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is dextrocardia?
Dextrocardia is a congenital condition where the heart sits on the right side of the chest instead of the left.
2. How common is dextrocardia?
It affects about 1 in 12,000 people worldwide, making it a very rare condition.
3. Can dextrocardia cause breathing problems?
It can. People with dextrocardia linked to conditions like primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) or Kartagener syndrome may experience chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or recurrent lung infections due to impaired airway function.
4. Does dextrocardia increase surgical risks?
Not necessarily, but surgeons and anesthesiologists must be aware of the organ positions. Special precautions are taken because the heart and, in some cases, other organs are located differently.
5. Does dextrocardia affect life expectancy?
Individuals with isolated dextrocardia or dextrocardia with situs inversus often have a normal life expectancy. Life expectancy is mainly affected when significant congenital heart or lung conditions are present.
