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What is Atrial Septal Defect?

A hole in the heart atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). This hole allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. The blood then mixes with oxygen-rich blood in the right ventricle and is pumped out to the body. The size of the hole in the atrial septal defect determines how much blood flows from the left atrium to the

What are the symptoms of an Atrial Septal Defect?

An atrial septal defect (ASD is a hole in the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart The symptoms of an ASD depend on how big the hole is and where it's located A small ASD may not cause any symptoms, while a large ASD can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat ASDs are usually caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors Most ASDs can be successfully treated with surgery or medications

What causes an Atrial Septal Defect?

An atrial septal defect (ASD is a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart It is a type of congenital heart defect, which means that it is present at birth An ASD can range in size from tiny to large A small ASD may close on its own soon after birth A large ASD can cause problems throughout life and may require surgery to repair it The most common symptom of an ASD is shortness of breath, especially with exertion Many people with a small ASD have no symptoms and do not know they have the condition ASDs are often discovered when an electrocardiogram (EKG or other test is done for another reason An ASD occurs when the septum, the wall between the upper chambers of the heart, does not form correctly during fetal development The exact cause is unknown but it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors Most ASDs are relatively benign and do not require treatment beyond monitoring by a cardiologist (heart specialist However, some ASDs can lead to serious complications such as stroke, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms In these cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or close the hole in the septum

Is an Atrial Septal Defect serious?

An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart This results in oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart mixing with oxygen-poor blood from the right side Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations An ASD can be congenital (present at birth or acquired later in life Most ASDs are not serious and do not require treatment, However, larger defects can cause problems such as congestive heart failure or stroke and may need to be repaired surgically

How is an Atrial Septal Defect diagnosed?

An atrial septal defect (ASD is a hole in the wall that separates the upper chambers of your heart The ASD allows oxygen-rich blood from the left side of your heart to mix with oxygen-poor blood on the right side Which can put a strain on your heart and lungs and cause other health problems An ASD is often diagnosed during a routine physical examination or prenatal ultrasound, However, some people with an ASD do not have any symptoms and it may go unnoticed until adulthood If you have symptoms, they may include Shortness of breath Fatigue Swelling in your legs Heart palpitations Irregular heartbeat A rapid heartbeat An X-ray, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, or cardiac CT scan can confirm the diagnosis of an ASD Although most ASDs are congenital (present at birth, they can also develop later in life as a result of infection, inflammation, or injury to the heart ASDs are usually treated with surgery to close the hole in the heart wall In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help control symptoms

An atrial septal defect is a type of heart defect that occurs when there is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat If left untreated, an atrial septal defect can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or stroke Fortunately, many cases can be successfully treated with surgery or other interventions.

For treatment of septal defect you can contact Dr Boon Lim.

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