Catherine O’Hara And Dextrocardia: What A Right-Sided Heart Really Means For Health

Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 11:49 IST

Catherine O’Hara died at 71. The Hollywood icon had dextrocardia with situs inversus – her heart was located on the right, and other major organs were in a mirror-image position.

Renowned actress Catherine O’Hara passed away at 71.

Best known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, Hollywood star Catherine O’Hara breathed her last on Friday. The 71-year-old actor was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles in “serious” condition, where she died later.

As reported by Page Six, the Los Angeles Fire Department mentioned that they responded to a medical aid call from Catherine O’Hara’s Brentwood home at approximately 4:48 AM. The cause of the actor’s death has not been announced. Catherine had a rare congenital heart condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus, as a result of which her heart was located on the right side of the chest, and other major organs were in a mirror-image position. Studies state that this condition generally causes no medical issues or symptoms.

What Is Dextrocardia?

Dextrocardia occurs when the heart forms on the right side of the chest during fetal development, with its apex pointing right instead of left. It is estimated to affect roughly 1 in 10,000–12,000 births, making it uncommon but not unheard of. On its own, dextrocardia may not cause any health problems and can go unnoticed for years, sometimes discovered only during an X-ray or ECG.

When Organs Follow Suit

In some cases, the condition appears alongside situs inversus, where other major organs are also reversed. The liver may sit on the left, the spleen on the right, and the stomach may shift positions. When all abdominal and chest organs are mirrored, the condition is known as situs inversus totalis. Surprisingly, many people with this complete reversal live normal, symptom-free lives.

Doctors often describe it as a “mirror-image anatomy” rather than a disease.

Types Of Dextrocardia Doctors Look For

Medical experts classify dextrocardia into:

• Isolated dextrocardia
• Dextrocardia with situs inversus
• Situs inversus totalis
• Dextrocardia with heterotaxy (irregular organ arrangement, often complex)

The last type is typically associated with more serious congenital heart or organ complications.

Symptoms: When It Matters

Isolated cases rarely produce symptoms. However, when combined with structural abnormalities, patients may experience:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Cyanosis (bluish skin due to low oxygen)
• Recurrent lung or sinus infections
• Poor weight gain in infants

These issues usually stem from associated heart or lung defects, not the organ reversal itself.