ABOUT THE DISEASE

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a disease of the heart found in new born kids (congenital disease), caused due to a hole in the septum between the upper chambers of the heart.

When the baby is still in the womb, this hole which is located in the thin tissue (septum) that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (right and left atrium), allows the blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber around the lungs, which is necessary for its development. However a few minutes after the baby is born this hole closes on its own.

If this hole is not closed properly the blood takes an abnormal path allowing blood from the left side of the heart (left atrium) to mix with blood in the right side of the heart (right atrium) putting greater load on the heart, making it weak.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary depending upon the size of the hole, a very small hole (lesser than 5 mm) might not show any symptoms at all, others may show a combination of the following symptoms:

• • Tiredness or fatigue from any physical activity.
• • Trouble breathing (dyspnea) or shortness of breath.
• • Frequent respiratory infections especially in children.
• • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
• • Heartmurmurs("swishing" type heart sounds).

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Echocardiogram
- MRI/CT scan of heart
- Cardiac catheterization

TREATMENT METHODS

For small holes no treatment might be required however for others one of the below two options need to be considered :

- Trans catheter closure of hole through a device (Non surgical option)
- ASD closure surgery (Surgical option)

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