Pronounced: AY-tree-uhl SEP-tull DEE-fect
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital birth defect. It is an abnormality in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). In ASD, the wall between the left and right chambers is not completely closed.
In a developing fetus, there is an opening between the left and right atrium. This opening allows the blood to bypass the lungs. When the baby is born, that opening is normally closed, and blood will flow to the lungs.
In babies born with ASD, blood passes from the left atrium to the right atrium. This eventually can cause problems in the lungs.
ASD occurs in about four out of every 100,000 babies. Those with minor-to-moderate defects may not suffer any complications or symptoms. Very small ASDs close on their own about 90% of the time. Those with more severe defects may have disabilities later in life.
ASD is a congenital defect. This means that it occurs during fetal development and is present at birth. Some cases may be caused by a genetic defect or abnormality inherited from a parent. Others can be caused by illnesses suffered by the mother during pregnancy.
Most of the time, the cause is unknown.
Because the cause is largely unknown, there are no known risk factors for this condition.
Symptoms include:
People with minor-to-moderate defects may show no symptoms. Or, they may not begin to show symptoms until later in life.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also be examined. Tests may include the following:
Small defects that produce few or no symptoms may not require treatment. Also, many defects may close on their own without treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
For patients with large defects and who experience significant symptoms, surgery may be needed.
A new procedure may also be performed, which closes the opening without surgery. A closure device is inserted through a heart catheter, which is inserted in the groin.
After open heart surgery, antibiotics are prescribed prior to dental work or other procedures. This is to reduce the risk of developing bacterial endocarditis .
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11065
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/index.html
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/home/index_e.aspx
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/Page.asp?PageID=24
References:
Atrial septal defect. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/atrial-septal-defect/index.html . Accessed July 6, 2007.
Atrial septal defect. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000157.htm . Accessed July 6, 2007.
Atrial septal defect. The Nemours Foundation. Kids' Health for Parents website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/asd.html . Accessed July 6, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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