If you have a hole between the top chambers of your heart, it’s called an atrial septal defect (ASD. The increased flow of blood through the lungs is a result of the hole. The birthmark of the disease is a congenital heart defect.
Atrial septal defects as small as a few microns may be discovered by accident and never be the reason for alarm. Early in life, some people’s eyes close.
The heart and lungs can be seriously harmed by a big and persistent atrial septal defect. An atrial septal defect may necessitate surgery to correct it and prevent problems.
Types
Atrial septal defects come in a variety of varieties
- Secundum – ASDs of this sort are the most common. A cardiac defect arises between two upper chambers of the heart muscle (atrial septum).
- Primum – The lower half of the atrial septum is affected by this kind of ASD, which can develop in conjunction with other congenital heart abnormalities. In addition, the venous sinuses. The upper portion of the wall dividing the heart chambers is most commonly affected by this uncommon form of ASD. Additionally, it’s linked to other heart-related alterations that occur at birth.
- Sinus thoracic – A section of the heart’s venous system, the coronary sinus, and the left upper chamber (left atrium) wall is missing in a rare form of ASD.
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing, particularly while exercising.
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats and swelling of the legs, foot, or abdomen (arrhythmias)
- Palpitations (fast, hammering heartbeat) or missing beats (palpitations)
- An audible whooshing sound made with a stethoscope (heart murmur)
When to consult a physician?
Prenatal or postnatal diagnosis is common for severe congenital heart anomalies, such as big atrial septal defects.
If you or your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• Swelling in the lower legs, feet or abdomen (abdominal edema)
• Palpitations (a rapid, hammering heartbeat) or skipped beats
• Shortness of breath
Causes
• Atrial septal defect is a mystery. An atrial septal defect arises when the heart is still developing in the womb, and is a structural abnormality.
• This includes environmental or lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol abuse that may play a role in the development of autism.
At Doral Health, we are able to assist you in the diagnosis of cardiac problems as well as congenital abnormalities. The team of professionals is highly qualified in the field of cardiology in which they each work. Please give us a call at the number 347-868-1012.
