An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a type of heart defect some people are born with. ASD is one of the congenital heart defects (CHD) often referred to as “a hole in the heart.”
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with ASD, Banner Health is here to help. We’ll explain more about ASD and how it affects daily life.
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a heart condition where there’s a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s upper chambers (atria). This hole allows blood to flow between the chambers of the heart instead of flowing into the body as it should.
Normally, the left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body and the right side carries low-oxygen (oxygen-poor) blood back into the heart. With ASD, oxygenated blood mixes with oxygen-poor blood, increasing the amount of blood flowing toward the heart and lungs.
Over time, this extra blood flow can strain the heart and increase the risk of problems like heart failure and stroke.
ASD can vary in location and size, leading to different types that need specific treatments. The main types of ASD are:
ASDs develop during pregnancy (in utero) when the wall between the heart’s upper chambers doesn’t close properly.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, some heart defects may be passed down in families (genetic/inherited). ASD can sometimes occur along with other genetic conditions, like Down syndrome.
A woman’s lifestyle habits and/or exposure to certain toxins during pregnancy may also play a role. Learn more about the causes and risk factors of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
Many people with ASD seem healthy and have no symptoms, especially if the hole is small.
Larger holes can cause symptoms later in life, including:
ASDs can be discovered at any age. A health care provider might hear a heart murmur with a stethoscope, or further tests might be needed for diagnosis. Tests could include:
Diagnosing CHDs like ASD early is very important for overall heart health. Learn more about how heart defects are diagnosed.
Treatment of ASDs depends on the size of the hole, symptoms and overall health. Some small ASDs may close on their own, while larger ones might require intervention.
Some small ASDs may close on their own, often before the age of 2. Your child’s provider may recommend follow-up visits to monitor the heart.
If the ASD is large or doesn’t close on its own, a cardiologist may recommend fixing the hole, either with heart surgery or cardiac catheterization. A heart surgeon, called a cardiovascular surgeon, does the surgery.
Medicines may also be prescribed to help reduce symptoms such as heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). If a child with ASD is failing to thrive or grow, they may need a high-calorie formula or tube feeding.
ASDs can be repaired surgically in two ways: open and minimally invasive. Open-heart surgery involves making a cut (incision) through the chest wall to access the heart. Sometimes, ASDs can be repaired using smaller cuts (minimally invasive surgery). Surgeons use patches to close the holes.
Recovery may take a few weeks and usually includes a hospital stay, follow-up appointments and imaging tests.
With this option, a cardiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guides it to the heart. A device is then sent through the catheter to close the hole. Recovery time is usually short. Many patients can go home the same day or the next.
The provider will work with you to determine the best treatment approach. Learn more about treatment options for CHDs.
A small ASD may never cause any problems. However, some medium to large ASDs may cause health problems later in life if not treated.
As children with ASD get older, they might be at an increased risk for arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke and pulmonary hypertension. Over time, pulmonary hypertension can cause long-term damage to blood vessels in the lungs, a condition called Eisenmenger syndrome.
With proper care and treatment, many people with ASD lead active, healthy lives. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is important to monitor heart health and watch for potential issues. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, as well as avoiding smoking and managing stress, to support heart health.
At Banner Health, our heart specialists are at the forefront of diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of congenital heart defects, whether they are common or exceedingly rare. We tailor our approach to each patient and their specific diagnosis to ensure the most effective treatment plan.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our specialists.
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