Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

At Upperhill CardioVascular Center, your heart health matters to us. Our expert team stays committed to providing top-quality, personalized vascular and cardiovascular care for the full spectrum of heart and venous-related conditions, including atrial septal defects.

We recognize that a heart defect diagnosis can be alarming. Still, our experienced team offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and innovative procedures to care for your heart and provide the best outcomes possible.

If you or a loved one is living with atrial septal defects, suspect you may have one, or are curious about available treatment options, we are here for you.

Let’s discuss atrial septal defects in further detail, including what they are, their symptoms, and the treatment options available.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• • Congenital Origin: ASDs are present at birth and occur when the atrial septum does not form completely. The exact cause is often unknown, though genetic and environmental factors can play a role.
  • Associated Conditions: Sometimes found alongside other congenital heart defects or genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome.

Symptoms:

• • Infants and Young Children: May be asymptomatic or exhibit symptoms such as frequent respiratory infections, difficulty breathing, or poor growth.
  • Adults: Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and in severe cases, heart failure. Some individuals may not experience symptoms until later in life.

Comprehensive treatment of atrial septal defect (ASD) involves a strategic approach based on the size of the defect and the patient’s symptoms. For small, asymptomatic ASDs, regular monitoring with echocardiography may be sufficient, as many close spontaneously or cause minimal issues. For larger or symptomatic ASDs, treatment options include surgical repair through open-heart surgery using a patch or suture to close the defect, or a minimally invasive percutaneous closure, where a device is inserted via a catheter to seal the opening. Medications are not typically used to close the defect but may be prescribed to manage related complications such as heart failure. Post-treatment, ongoing follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor heart function and detect any potential complications, while patient education and lifestyle adjustments, including maintaining overall cardiovascular health, support long-term well-being.