Atrial Septal Defect
(ASD; “Hole” in the Heart)
Definition
The atria are the the upper chambers of the heart. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the left and right chambers of the atria. It is present at birth.
Blood passes from the left atrium to the right atrium in babies born with ASD. 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.
Heart Chambers and Valves
Causes
ASD is a congenital defect. This means that it occurs during fetal development. It 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.
Risk Factors
There are no known risk factors for this condition because the cause is largely unknown.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Tiring easily during activity
- Sweating
- Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
- Ongoing respiratory infections
- Poor growth
- Irregular, rapid beating of the heart
- Poor appetite
People with minor-to-moderate defects may show no symptoms. They may not begin to show symptoms until later in life.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
- Your doctor may need pictures of your heart. This can be done with:
- Your doctor may need information about how your heart functions. This can be done with:
- Your doctor may need to check the health of your arteries. This can be done with Coronary angiography.
Treatment
Small defects that produce few or no symptoms may not require treatment. Many defects may close on their own without treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Prevention
The condition is a congenital defect with unknown causes. There are no preventive measures. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications
American Heart Association
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases Institute
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Antibiotic prophylaxis. American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/2157.aspx. Accessed November 10, 2012.
Atrial septal defects (ASD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 6, 2012. Accessed November 10, 2012.
Atrial septal defect. KidsHealth.org website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/asd.html. Updated August 2010. Accessed November 10, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 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.
