What happens if you don't catch an asd in a child until after the age of 10yo, does this mean their heart is damaged for life?

Not particularly: Although there is an effort to close asd's by school age an asymptomatic child of 10 is not necessarily ruined for life. The size of the defect is quite variable as is the effect on heart function. I would be more concerned if the child had gone thru puberty and added muscle mass and weight to the equation.An open discussion of your concerns with your physicianis in order.

Usually not: ASD symptoms are related to the size and amount of blood flow to lungs. A condition called "eisenminger" if ASD is large and increased flow to the lungs cause permanent damage to lung vessels. Usually this occur after the second or third decade of life.

No: There is nothing major to worry about if you get it fixed. The risk for rhythm problems in the future may be slightly increased, though.

Not Necessarily: Asds do not cause immediate damage. But at 10 years it is possible, depending on the size of the ASD and amount of extra flow to the lungs. Please discuss this with the child's cardiologist to understand if there are any long-term problems.

No: As a ped cardiologist, i see this every year. Asds do not generally cause problems early in life. Unrepaired, they may lead to abnormal heart rhythms (5% by age 20 and 50% by age 50) and can lead to pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure in adulthood. For a 10 yo, the ASD may be closed when convenient within the next year. Expect a complete recovery.