Atrial Septal Defect- Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Atrial septal defect is an abnormality of the heart's upper chambers (atria) where the wall between the right and left atria does not close completely. In general, the defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart's two upper chambers (atria). As a group, atrial septal defects are detected in 1 child per 1500 live births. Septal defects smaller headphones can close only in infancy or early childhood. The health effects of holes that remain open often not until recent years - usually at the age of 40. Many people do not realize that so far an atrial septal defect. Sometimes a doctor detects an atrial septal defect for a newborn screening or during a routine examination in the future. Septal defects large and longstanding headphones can damage the heart and lungs. One that has an atrial septal unrecognized for decades may have a shortened life of heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs. For children with disorders very small ASD, the ASD closes itself has more than 90% of the time. However, most ASDs must be closed. People with certain types of heart defects, including certain rarer forms of the CIA, are at greater risk of developing bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner surface of the heart.


The term "atrial septal defect" generally refers to provide holes in the atria to lack of atrial septal tissue, rather than a so-called patent foramen ovale in (PFO). Symptoms usually were children 30 years septal defects may manifest with larger headphones have loss of appetite and not as they should grow. Toddlers can signs of heart failure or arrhythmias. Congenital heart disease seems to run in families and sometimes occur with other genetic problems such as Down syndrome. A genetic counselor can predict the approximate probability that their children will have a future. An atrial septal defect allows oxygen-rich (red) blood from the left atrium through the opening in the septum, and then mix with oxygen-poor (blue) blood in the right atrium. Complete closure occurs in most individuals. In 25-30% of the normal heart, however, a catheter from the right atrium to the left atrium through the patent foramen ovale and secundum is passed.



The person may also develop heart or vascular damage and an increased risk of suffering a stroke or heart infection itself. Congenital heart defects of significance occur in approximately 8 out of every 1,000 live births. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the ASD is large or if symptoms occur. Anticoagulants, often called blood thinners, can help reduce the chances of developing a blood clot and a stroke. Anticoagulants include warfarin (Coumadin) and antiplatelet agents such as aspirin. Maintain regular heartbeat. Examples include beta blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin). Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis. Embolization (displacement of thrombi) normally enters the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. In a person with ASD, these emboli can potentially enter the arterial system. In most cases, atrial septal defects can not be prevented. Consider talking with a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant.

The treatment of atrial septal tips

1. Surgical closure of an ASD involves opening up at least one atrium and closing the defect with a patch under direct vision.

2. Embolization (displacement of thrombi) normally enters the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

3. Maintain regular heartbeat. Examples include beta blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin).

4. Increase the strength of heart contractions. Examples include digoxin (Lanoxin).

5. Reduce the amount of fluid in circulation. This reduces the volume of blood that must be pumped. These drugs, called diureticsFree Web content, include furosemide (Lasix).

6.Prophylactic antibiotics (preventive) given before dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infectious endocarditis.