Tetralogy of Fallot

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

While the exact cause of tetralogy of Fallot is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a baby being born with this condition. These include:

  • A viral illness in the mother, such as rubella (measles), during pregnancy
  • Maternal alcoholism
  • Poor nutrition
  • A mother older than 40
  • A parent who had tetralogy of Fallot

Children born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition resulting from an extra 21st chromosome, also are at increased risk of having tetralogy of Fallot.

DS00615

Jan. 26, 2008

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