Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Comprehensive Care at Yatharth Hospital

Overview

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect where there is a hole between the upper chambers of the heart. Through this opening, blood can flow in-between the atria. Small ASds may not cause any complications; however, the larger defects, if left untreated, may lead to complications like heart failure or stroke. 

Signs and Symptoms

A baby born with an atrial septal defect (ASD) may not have any symptoms. The defects may be found by chance. The symptoms of ASD may begin in adulthood.

• Fatigue, feeling tired even after little exertion
• Difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Frequent respiratory Infections
• Abnormal heart sounds or murmur, detected during a physical examination by a cardiologist

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Atrial Septal Defect involves:

• Physical Examination: A Cardiologist checks for abnormal heart sounds.
• Echocardiogram: This is an important test to dianose an trial septal defect. The pictures of a beating heart are taken through an ultrasound of the heart.  It shows the structure, size, and location of the heart defect.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): It helps find the abnormal electrical activity of the heart. It can show how slow or fast the heart is beating.
• Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: The magnetic waves provide detailed images of the heart's structure and blood flow.

Treatment

Treatment for ASD depends on the size of the hole and any heart conditions present. 

Medical Management

Immediate Intervention may not be required in small ASDs, but these will have to be monitored closely by a cardiologist. Larger defects or those causing symptoms may require intervention. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Medicines won't repair the heart defect, but can help in managing the symptoms such as heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Antibiotics: These are advised before dental procedures or surgeries to prevent infections in the heart.

Surgical Treatment

• Closure Devices: A patch is used to close the defect with a minimally invasive heart procedure. A mesh or plug is inserted via a catheter to close the defect.
• Open-Heart Surgery: It is done for larger or complex defects by making a cut through the chest wall, to reach the heat. 
• Atrial septal defect may be repaired using smaller cuts than traditional surgery. This method is called minimally invasive heart surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

ASD is a heart disease that a person is born with. There is a hole in the heart, which is an abnormal opening in the wall that separates the upper chambers of the heart.

How is an Atrial Septal Defect diagnosed?

A cardiologist performs the physical examination and may advise an echocardiogram, ECG, and sometimes cardiac MRI or CT scan.

What are the treatment options for an Atrial Septal Defect?

Treatment of ASD depends on the size and location of the defect. Immediate intervention may not be required in small ASDs, however, larger or complex defects may be closed with devices inserted through a catheter or open-heart surgery.

Can an Atrial Septal Defect be cured?

Yes, ASD can often be treated with timely interventions or procedures.

Do you need to adopt lifestyle changes to manage an Atrial Septal Defect?

Patients are advised to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, have regular physical activity, take a balanced diet, and avoid smoking.

What are the symptoms of an Atrial Septal Defect?

The symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, and recurrent respiratory infections.

When should I seek medical help for an Atrial Septal Defect?

You should see a cardiologist if you experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, difficulty breathing, palpitations, or if you have a known heart murmur.

Conclusion

At Yatharth Hospitals, we have excellent facilities and an experienced cardiac sciences team for managing heart disorders, including Atrial Septal Defect. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Cardiology Department.