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Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

A congenital opening in the wall between the right and left atria.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

Atrial septal defect is characterized by persistence of the atrial septal opening normally present in fetal life. The most common subtype is secundum ASD; primum, sinus venosus, and coronary sinus types are also recognized.

The defect creates continuous shunting from the left atrium to the right atrium. This exposes the right heart and pulmonary vascular bed to volume load. Over many years, the shunt leads to right heart enlargement and pulmonary hypertension.

Small ASDs may remain asymptomatic, while larger defects can present in later years with atrial arrhythmias, decreased exercise capacity, and right heart failure. Percutaneous or surgical closure provides treatment.

Symptoms

Exertional dyspnea and easy fatigability
Palpitations and episodes of atrial fibrillation
Recurrent pulmonary infections
A soft systolic murmur on auscultation
Fixed splitting of the second heart sound
Signs of right heart failure (leg edema, jugular venous distension)
Transient ischemic attack from paradoxical embolism

Risk Factors

Family history of congenital heart disease
Chromosomal anomalies such as Down syndrome
Rubella during pregnancy
Alcohol and certain anticonvulsants in pregnancy
Maternal diabetes
Female sex (more common in ostium secundum type)
Holt–Oram syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a murmur heard in childhood persists
  • For new-onset palpitations and shortness of breath in adulthood
  • For preconception counseling
  • In the setting of stroke possibly due to paradoxical embolism

Treatment Methods

01
Percutaneous ASD closure (device placement via catheter)
02
Surgical primary closure or patch repair in unsuitable anatomy
03
Antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant therapy for atrial arrhythmias
04
Targeted therapies when pulmonary hypertension develops
05
Annual echocardiographic follow-up
06
Endocarditis prophylaxis in selected situations

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.