Question 1

how bad is an atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

ASD: It is variable, depending on the size of  the opening and the amount of blood traveling across it.  Sometimes they are diagnosed in childhood, others are picked up in adults.  They are closed if the size is significant either surgically or using catheters.  But if they are small they can be followed and monitored with echocardiograms.

Question 2

what exactly is atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

ASD: An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a communication (hole) in the atrial septum (wall between top two chambers of the heart). It usually results in extra blood flowing through hole from left to right side resulting in eventual enlargement of the right side of the heart. This can take years to decades depending on size of defect. ASD closed with surgery or interventional cardiology (device closure).

Question 3

i have an atrial septal defect. advise?

Accepted Answer

See a cardiologist: This can be serious, as a blood clot from the lower legs can cross the ASD and cause a stroke.

Question 4

is asd (atrial septal defect) hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Not completely: The genetic influence of congenital heart defects travels on several different genes & there is some risk for first degree relatives (offspring, sibs). The risk for offspring to have some heart defect (not the same) runs ~4% while it jumps to 6-8% if both parents have some form of defect. Of some interest, there is a basic 4% risk of some unexpected outcome for any pregnancy. (defect, premi, illness).

Question 5

what are the tests for atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram: Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that can see if there is a hole between the 2 upper chambers of the heart (atrial septal defect). A cardiac catherization can also determine if ASD exist, but is invasive.

Question 6

what's it mean to have atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: Depends on the size and the amount of blood it is allowing to leak from the left to the right heart chambers which in turn causes strain on the right heart.  This can cause shortness of breath and arrhythmias.  Patient with medium size defects may not have any problems until their middle age and patients with smaller defects can lead a full healthy life without even knowing it.

Question 7

what sort of problem is an atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

ASD: ASD is a congenital (present since birth) heart defect in which the wall that separates the 2 upper chambers (atria) is perforated allowing the abnormal mixing of oxygenated and un-oxygenated blood. If large enough, it can lead to rhythm disturbances and heart failure but if small, no treatment is necessary. Echo and MRI are very accurate in assessing the severity. It is correctable/curable.

Question 8

how should i handle my son's atrial septal defect?

Accepted Answer

Cardiologist: Depends on the size, location and child's age.  Many small asds can close on their own while others require catheterization or open heart surgery.  Your cardiologist can best guide your treatment options/plan.

Question 9

please help! i have an atrial septal defect (asd)?

Accepted Answer

Treatable: The importance of an ASD depends on the location in the septum and on the size of the asd.  Small asds may cause no problems.  Larger asds may require treatment.  The most common ASD is an ostium secundum asd.  Often, this can be treated by implanting a device in the ASD by catheter, sealing the hole.  If the ASD is very large, or other than a secundum defect, surgery may be necessary.

Question 10

is an atrial septal defect a hereditary condition?

Accepted Answer

Multiple genes : The information needed to code for normal formation of the heart travels in many genes. There is a linkage to other forms of congenital heard defect. Someone with an ASD will have a 4% risk of having a kid with some form of chd , not necessarily the same one.

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Fenestrated atrial septal defect

A member asked:

How bad is an atrial septal defect?

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What exactly is atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

I have an atrial septal defect. advise?

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Is asd (atrial septal defect) hereditary?

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What are the tests for atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

What's it mean to have atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

What sort of problem is an atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

How should i handle my son's atrial septal defect?

A member asked:

Please help! i have an atrial septal defect (asd)?

A member asked:

Is an atrial septal defect a hereditary condition?

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