Atrial septal Defect (ASD) is a condition that is congenital. An ASD is a defect from birth in which there is a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This hole might vary in size, and may even close on its own. Small defects cause no symptoms or problems. The left side of the heart pumps blood to the body while the right side of the heart feeds blood to the lungs. In children with ASD, blood can leak from the right atrium to the left atrium, and into the arteries of the lungs. A large ASD, over a period of time, causes damage to the heart and the lungs. Around 2000 babies in the US are born with Atrial septum defects every year.
Symptoms
A lot of babies who are born with atrial septum defect may not have any signs or symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of ASD are:
- Palpitations in the heart
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath especially during any physical activity
- Swelling in abdomen, legs, or abdomen
- A murmur in the heart that can be heard through a stethoscope
Causes
The cause for atrial septum defect is not known. Environmental and genetic factors may be involved. A few medical conditions during pregnancy may also increase the risk of the baby being born with a defect. These conditions are:
- Rubella infection
- Diabetes or lupus
- Use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or other harmful substances during pregnancy
Treatment
A lot of the atrium septal defects close on their own as the child grows older. Even if the hole does not close but is very small, the blood flow to the lungs is not enough to damage the lungs, so no treatment is required.
Surgery is usually the only treatment for ASD. For medium to large holes or defects in the atrial septum, one of two types of surgery may be prescribed — cardiac catheterization, and open-heart surgery. Which type of surgery is appropriate depends on the size and location of the defect and also on the presence of any other heart defect.
A small atrial defect does not normally cause any problems. However, larger defects, if not treated can cause various complications such as heart failure, stroke, heart rhythm abnormality, and even a shortened life span. Treatment can prevent and help to manage these complications.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000157.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-septal-defect/symptoms-causes/syc-20369715
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/atrial-septal-defect-asd
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/atrialseptaldefect.html
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