Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Overview

This condition, commonly called "a hole in the heart," is an abnormal opening in the wall that separates the left and right atria. These are the heart's upper chambers. This congenital defect creates abnormal blood flow through the heart. ASD may result in a murmur that can be heard during an exam. It can be diagnosed by an echocardiogram.

Normal Heart

In a normal heart, oxygen-depleted blood enters the right atrium and empties into the right ventricle, which then pumps the blood to the lungs to be reoxygenated. Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the heart's left atrium and is pumped out to the body through the left ventricle.

Heart With Atrial Septal Defect

In a heart with an ASD, a defect in the wall between the two atria allows oxygen-rich blood to pass from the left atrium to the right atrium. The oxygen-rich blood mixes with oxygen-depleted blood being sent to the lungs. This increases the volume of blood that is being passed through the lungs and returned to the left side of the heart. This inefficiency causes the heart and lungs to work harder.

Symptoms

ASD may cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and fatigue. A child with the condition may exhibit poor growth. However, many patients with ASD have few noticeable symptoms. The problem can go undetected until adulthood.

Complications

ASD can result in a variety of complications. These can decrease a person's life expectancy. Complications of ASD can include abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and stroke.

Treatment Options

ASD can be treated with open heart surgery or with a device inserted into the heart through a catheter. In some cases this is unnecessary, because a small defect may close spontaneously during the first several years of a child's life. But a large ASD in a child who has reached two years of age is unlikely to close on its own. By treating the defect in childhood, serious problems can be prevented later in life. ASD can be treated in adults, but it may be left untreated if a patient has certain heart complications.

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.