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Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a heart condition present at birth. It means there is a hole in the wall between the heart’s two upper chambers. Because of this hole, blood can flow in the wrong direction. Over time, this may cause the heart and lungs to work harder. Although some people have small ASDs that close on their own, others may need treatment. Early detection helps prevent problems later in life.

Common Symptoms of ASD

Many children with ASD have no symptoms. However, some signs may appear as they grow. For example, you may notice:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during activity
  • Frequent lung infections
  • Feeling tired easily
  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or belly
  • Skipped heartbeats or a fast heartbeat
  • Poor weight gain in babies

    • Sometimes, symptoms do not show until adulthood. Therefore, regular check-ups are important.

    Causes and Risk Factors

    ASD is a congenital heart defect, which means it develops before birth. The exact cause is often unknown. However, some factors may increase the risk, such as:

  • Family history of heart defects
  • Genetic conditions like Down syndrome
  • Mother’s use of alcohol, tobacco, or certain medicines during pregnancy
  • Mother’s exposure to infections or diabetes during pregnancy

    • Even so, many children with ASD have no known risk factors.

    Diagnosis of ASD

    Doctors can find ASD during a routine check-up. Sometimes, they hear a heart murmur with a stethoscope. To confirm the diagnosis, they may use tests like:

  • Echo (echocardiogram): Uses sound waves to show the heart’s structure
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks the heart’s rhythm
  • Chest X-ray: Shows the heart and lungs
  • Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Gives detailed images of the heart

    • Early diagnosis helps guide the best treatment plan.

    Treatment Options (Non-interventional and Interventional)

    Treatment for ASD depends on the size of the hole and symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is needed if the defect is small and causes no problems. However, larger ASDs may require action. Treatment options include:

    Non-interventional Treatment

  • Regular monitoring with heart check-ups
  • Medicines to manage symptoms, such as diuretics or drugs for irregular heartbeat

    • Interventional Treatment

  • Catheter-based closure: A doctor inserts a thin tube through a blood vessel to place a special device that closes the hole. This is a common, less invasive option.
  • Surgery: In some cases, open-heart surgery is needed to close the defect with stitches or a patch.

    • Most children and adults recover well after treatment. Still, regular follow-up is important.

    Lifestyle Tips and Living with ASD

    Many people with ASD live healthy lives. Even so, some lifestyle tips can help:

  • Visit your cardiologist for regular check-ups
  • Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables
  • Stay active, but ask your doctor about safe activities
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
  • Take medicines as prescribed
  • Watch for signs of infection or new symptoms

    • With proper care, most people with ASD can enjoy normal activities.

    Prevention and Early Detection

    Because ASD is usually present at birth, it cannot always be prevented. However, some steps may lower the risk:

  • Get regular prenatal care during pregnancy
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and harmful drugs while pregnant
  • Manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
  • Ask your doctor about screening if you have a family history of heart defects

    • Early detection through newborn screening and regular check-ups helps catch ASD before problems develop.

    Frequently Asked Questions about ASD

  • Can ASD close on its own? Small ASDs may close naturally as a child grows. Larger ones often need treatment.
  • Is ASD dangerous? If left untreated, ASD can cause heart and lung problems over time. Early treatment helps prevent these issues.
  • Can adults have ASD? Yes, some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms may appear later in life.
  • Is surgery always needed? Not always. Many ASDs can be closed with a catheter-based procedure, which is less invasive than surgery.
  • Can I exercise with ASD? Most people can stay active. However, always check with your doctor before starting new activities.

    • If you have questions or concerns about Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), consult a cardiologist at Dr. Ketika Potey’s Clinic for personalized advice.