An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall that divides the upper chambers of the heart.
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An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall that divides the upper chambers of the heart and is present from birth. The hole can vary in size, and may close on its own, or may need to be treated with device closure or surgery.
It is often diagnosed in adults when they have an ECG or echocardiogram.
ASD seen on Transoesophageal Echo (TOE)
Whilst Atrial Septal Defect is congenital, many patients do not have any signs or symptoms until later in life, or it may be entirely asymptomatic, and is picked up on routine echocardiography.
Signs and symptoms may include:
It is unknown as to why some babies are born with this heart defect, although studies have shown that some heart defects are thought to be caused by changes in their genes or chromosomes. It is also thought that these changes in genes combined with other risk factors including the environment, food, drink or other medicines during pregnancy can also cause heart defects.
Your Consultant will perform a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) which is an ultrasound of the heart to fully understand the extent of the condition and next steps.
How the defect is treated depends on the age, symptoms, size of the defect and any other conditions.
Medication will be able to treat the symptoms of the defect, but there are no known medications to treat the defect itself.
In both child and adult, surgery may be the best option to close the hole.
Your Cardiologist will help you decide what the best treatment is for you.
The procedure to close the hole is called Cardiac Catheterisation.
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Our Heart Health specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their field. They are equipped with the latest diagnostic medical technology at custom-built, day-case facilities to investigate any symptoms and ensure you receive the best available care.