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Diagnosis Heart & Vascular

Transposition of the Great Arteries
Diagnosis

A complete transposition usually is diagnosed shortly after birth due to the baby's increasing blue coloration or cyanosis. There may or may not be a heart murmur or extra sound in the heartbeat.

Tests may include:

  • Oxygen saturation test to check the level of oxygen in the blood Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), which records the heart's electrical activity
  • Chest X-ray to see the heart's size
  • Echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound examination of the heart

In addition, a cardiac catheterization procedure may be used to inject a dye into the heart and to see on a moving picture X-ray how the heart is functioning.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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