One circuit circulates oxygen poor blood from the body back to the body, and the other one circulates oxygen-rich blood from the lungs back to the lungs. When the body continues to receive oxygen poor blood, eventually, it will not have enough oxygen in the bloodstream that the body needs in order to survive.
Diagnosis
When an infant is born, there are standard exams that are conducted to confirm a baby’s health. An immediate sign that a newborn has transposition of the great arteries is a bluish tint to the newborn’s mouth and skin. Another major indication is if the doctor hears a heart murmur during a newborn’s physical examination. If one of these two main signs appears, a doctor will recommend a pediatric cardiologist and/or a neonatologist. When a doctor notices the blue color of the newborn, he or she will place the baby on supplemental oxygen. This usually will improve the problem if the defect is in the infant’s lungs; however, if the oxygen does not help, the doctor will believe the defect is in the