Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital).
As a baby develops in the womb, a wall (septum) forms that divides the upper chamber into a left and right atrium. When this wall does not form correctly, it can result in a defect that remains after birth. This is called an atrial septal defect, or ASD.
Congenital heart defect - ASD; Birth defect heart - ASD; Primum ASD; Secundum ASD
Normally, blood cannot flow between the two upper heart chambers. However, an ASD allows this to happen.
When blood flows between the two heart chambers, this is called a shunt. Blood most often flows from the left to the right side. When this happens the right side of the heart enlarges. Over time pressure in the lungs may build up. When this happens, the blood flowing through the defect will then go from right to left. If this occurs, there will be less oxygen in the blood that goes to the body.
Atrial septal defects are defined as primum or secundum.
Very small defects (less than 5 millimeters or ¼ inch) are less likely to cause problems. Smaller defects are often discovered much later in life than larger ones.
Along with the size of the ASD, where the defect is located plays a role that affects blood flow and oxygen levels. The presence of other heart defects is also important.
ASD is not very common.
A person with no other heart defect, or a small defect (less than 5 millimeters) may not have any symptoms, or symptoms may not occur until middle age or later.
Symptoms that do occur may begin at any time after birth through childhood. They can include:
ASD may not need treatment if there are few or no symptoms, or if the defect is small and is not associated with other abnormalities. Surgery to close the defect is recommended if the defect causes a large amount of shunting, the heart is swollen, or symptoms occur.
A procedure has been developed to close the defect (if no other abnormalities are present) without open heart surgery.
Sometimes, open-heart surgery may be needed to repair the defect. The type of surgery is more likely needed when other heart defects are present.
Some people with atrial septal defects may be able to have this procedure, depending on the size and location of the defect.
People who have a procedure or surgery to close an ASD should get antibiotics before any dental procedures they have in the period following the procedure. Antibiotics are not needed later on.
Richard Krasuski is a Cardiologist and an Interventional Cardiologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Krasuski has been practicing medicine for over 28 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Septal Defect. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Septal Defect, Congenital Heart Disease, Patent Foramen Ovale, and Hypertension. He is board certified in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (Achd) and Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) and licensed to treat patients in Ohio. Dr. Krasuski is currently accepting new patients.
Jonathan Tobis is a Cardiologist and an Interventional Cardiologist in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Tobis has been practicing medicine for over 49 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Septal Defect. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Patent Foramen Ovale, Atrial Septal Defect, Patent Foramen Ovale Repair, and Coronary Heart Disease. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) and licensed to treat patients in California. Dr. Tobis is currently accepting new patients.
Yoichi Takaya is in Okayama, Japan. Takaya is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Septal Defect. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Septal Defect, Patent Foramen Ovale, Sarcoidosis, and Migraine.
In infants, small ASDs (less than 5 mm) will often not cause problems, or will close without treatment. Larger ASDs (8 to 10 mm), often do not close and may need a procedure.
Important factors include the size of the defect, the amount of extra blood flowing through the opening, the size of the right side of the heart, and whether the person has any symptoms.
Some people with ASD may have other congenital heart conditions. These may include a leaky valve or a hole in another area of the heart.
People with a larger or more complicated ASD are at an increased risk for developing other problems, including:
Call your provider if you have symptoms of an atrial septal defect.
There is no known way to prevent the defect. Some of the complications can be prevented with early detection.
Published Date : January 27, 2020
Published By : Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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