-Deva Narayan

One of the strangest birth defects is the dextroposed heart, a condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the torso. This condition may also be acquired through other means such as abdominal organs relocating to the chest or the lungs being removed or displaced. This is a very burdening condition as any who suffer from it must frequently perform check-ups with their doctor to ensure that there is no complication with their heart. Some may even need medication to adjust to daily life with a dextroposed heart. Note that this condition is different from dextrocardia, a condition in which the orientation of the heart itself is switched.

Physical activity is limited for people who suffer from this abnormality. Doctors would not recommend more than a few exercises to ensure the heart isn’t over-exerted or damaged. Diet must also be monitored to ensure that the heart always remains at optimum condition, even a slight lack of nutrition may have severe consequences. Smoking and alcohol are heavily discouraged as both of these substances are known to place a toll on the heart. Most people with this condition cannot work in normal circumstances and often prefer to work from the sanctity of their own homes. However, those who can maintain their health in tip-top shape constantly may be able to work in normal conditions.

Depending on the cause of the dextroposed heart, it is possible to cure it with the aid of surgery. Sometimes, people may show no symptoms of a dextropose heart as well and live normally. Some however may suffer from congenital heart disease that requires medication to manage. For those whose dextroposed heart originates from the dislocation of other organs, surgery may be used to correctly reposition the heart. In the case of children, pediatric surgery has advanced enough for surgery to be performed in childhood to correct this condition. Life span is also impacted by the severity of the symptoms. Those with other congenital heart conditions have a shorter life expectancy than those with fewer symptoms.

While it’s challenging to provide a specific life expectancy for individuals with a dextroposed heart due to the wide variability in associated conditions and individual factors, many can lead long, fulfilling lives with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Regular medical follow-up, a healthy lifestyle, and access to advanced cardiac care are critical components in optimizing life expectancy for those with this condition.