Atrial septal defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a type of congenital heart defect that affects the structure of the heart. It is a hole in the wall, called the septum, that separates the two upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria.

In a healthy heart, the atria are separated by a wall of tissue called the interatrial septum, which prevents blood from flowing between the two chambers. However, in individuals with an ASD, there is an opening in this wall, allowing blood to flow between the atria.

 

The severity of an ASD can vary, depending on the size of the hole and its location in the septum. Small ASDs may not cause any symptoms and may even close on their own over time. However, larger ASDs can lead to an increased volume of blood flowing to the lungs, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and an increased risk of developing lung problems.

Treatment for an ASD typically involves repairing the hole through a surgical procedure or a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. In some cases, individuals with small ASDs may not require any treatment but will need to be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider.