Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart also called Atria. This condition is often present at birth and is referred to as congenital. Small defects may never cause a problem and may be found incidentally. Chances are there that small Atrial Septal defects may close on their own during infancy or early childhood.

However, it is important to know that large and long-standing Atrial Septal defects can damage the heart and sometimes even lungs. An adult who has had an undetected Atrial Septal defect for decades may have a shortened life span from heart failure or high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension.

Symptoms of an Atrial Septal Defect

• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
• Fatigue
• Swelling of legs, feet or abdomen
• Heart palpitations or skipped beats
• Stroke
• Heart murmur, a whooshing sound that can be heard through a stethoscope

More About Treatment

Types of an Atrial Septal Defect

• Sinus Venosus: This rare defect usually occurs in the upper part of the atrial septum.
• Secundum: This is the most common type of Atrial Septal Defect, and it occurs in the middle of the wall between the atria or atrial septum.
• Primum: This defect occurs in the lower part of the atrial septum, and it often occurs with other congenital heart problems.
• Coronary sinus: This is again a rare defect and part of the wall is found missing generally between the coronary sinus which is part of the vein system of the heart.

FAQ's

What Causes Artrial Septal Defect or ASD?

The cause is usually unknown. Genetic factors can sometimes play a role.

How does it affect the heart?

If the hole is large between the atria, a large amount of oxygen-rich blood leaks from the heart's left side to the right side which is pumped back to the lungs despite already having been refreshed with oxygen.

How does the ASD can affect you?

If the opening in ASD is small, it will not cause any symptoms because the additional work done by the heart and lungs is minimal. But in case the opening is large, it may cause mild shortness of breath, more so during the exercise and increase chances of acquiring a pneumonia and bronchitis.

How is ASD Diagnosed?

An atrial septal defect may be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. In many cases, it may not be diagnosed until adulthood.

How is ASD Treated?

Treatment of an atrial septal defect mainly depends upon the age of patient, the severity of the case, size of the hole, and presence of any other co-related medical conditions.

What problems can Artrial Septal Defect cause if left untreated?

There may be various problems which may include Pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lungs, congestive heart failure or weakening of the heart muscle, atrial arrhythmias which are abnormal rhythms or beating of the heart and an increased risk of stroke. In most children, atrial septal defects cause no symptoms.

Range Of Treatment Cost