atrial heart septal defect 9

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a type of congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the upper filling chambers of the heart (the atria). This condition allows blood to flow directly from one atrium to the other, rather than being pumped through the ventricles.

Causes and Characteristics:

• An ASD occurs when there is a failure to close the communication between the right and left atria.
• It encompasses defects involving both the true septal membrane and other defects that allow for communication between both atria.
• There are five types of ASDs, including:
  • Secundum ASD: The most common type, accounting for about 70% of cases.
  • Primum ASD: A smaller hole in the lower part of the septum.
  • Sinus venosus ASD: A defect located near the entrance of the superior vena cava.
  • Coronary sinus ASD: A defect located near the entrance of the coronary sinus.
  • Other types: Including defects involving other parts of the heart.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

• Symptoms may include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Palpitations
• An ASD can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after birth through various tests, including echocardiograms and electrocardiograms.
• In some cases, an ASD may not cause any symptoms until adulthood.

Treatment Options:

• Surgery is often necessary to close the defect and prevent complications.
• The procedure typically involves sewing a patch over the hole in the septum.
• In some cases, a catheter-based procedure may be used to close the defect without surgery.

Prognosis:

• The prognosis for individuals with ASDs is generally good, especially if treated early.
• However, untreated ASDs can lead to complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias.

References: [9] Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the more commonly recognized congenital cardiac anomalies presenting in adulthood.

Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial septal defect (ASD) can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual's age and overall health. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea): People with ASD may experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down.
• Frequent respiratory infections: Children with ASD are more prone to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, due to the increased pressure on their lungs.
• Feeling the heart beat (palpitations) in adults: Adults with ASD may feel a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, which can be a sign of an underlying issue.
• Shortness of breath with physical activity: Individuals with ASD may tire easily and experience shortness of breath when engaging in physical activities.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be present. If you suspect that you or your child has an atrial septal defect, it's essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: * [9] Symptoms · Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) · Frequent respiratory infections in children · Feeling the heart beat (palpitations) in adults · Shortness of breath with ...

Diagnostic Tests for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defects are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and various tests that check the heart's structure and function.

• Echocardiogram: This is the most common diagnostic test, which uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It is painless, non-invasive, and highly accurate for detecting and measuring the size of the hole in the septum [8].
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect any irregularities that may indicate an ASD [9].
• Catheterization: This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel in the leg that leads to the heart. The cardiologist guides the tube into the heart to take measurements and obtain samples for further analysis [4].

These diagnostic tests help confirm the presence of an atrial septal defect and determine its size and location. A pediatric cardiologist will interpret the results of these tests to make a diagnosis.

References:

[8] The most common diagnostic test is the echocardiogram, or an ultrasound of the heart. It is painless, non invasive, and highly accurate for detecting and ... [9] How is an atrial septal defect diagnosed? A pediatric cardiologist who suspects an atrial septal defect may order imaging tests, such as an electrocardiogram ...

Medications for Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

While medications cannot repair atrial septal defects, they may help relieve symptoms associated with the condition. Here are some medications that may be prescribed:

• Beta blockers: These medications can help slow down the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart. They may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin): This medication can help strengthen the heart's contractions and improve its efficiency. It may be used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.

It is essential to note that medications cannot repair atrial septal defects, but they may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, surgical or catheter-based repair is often necessary to prevent complications associated with ASDs [6][7].

In some cases, medications such as inotropic agents, dopamine (Intropin), and loop diuretics may be used to treat specific symptoms or complications related to ASDs [3]. However, these medications should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

References:

[1] Oct 12, 2020 — Those with evidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) warrant diuresis, traditionally using furosemide. Afterload reduction with an angiotensin-...

[3] Dec 15, 2020 — Medication Summary · Inotropic agents · Class Summary · Digoxin (Lanoxin) · Dopamine (Intropin) · Loop diuretics

[6] Feb 17, 2012 — However, treatment involving surgical or catheter-based repair is often necessary for ASDs to prevent complications.3,7 In general, it is...

[7] Small ASDs do not require any treatment and may be monitored every couple of years,” she says. “But those that do persist into early childhood—and remain large—...

Differential Diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are a group of rare disorders of the heart that are present at birth (congenital) and involve a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the upper chambers of the heart. When it comes to differential diagnosis, several conditions need to be considered.

• Atrioventricular Septal Defect: This is a type of congenital heart defect where there is a hole in both the atrial and ventricular septa. It can be associated with other anomalies such as cleft palate or esophageal atresia.
• Pulmonic Stenosis (Pulmonary Stenosis): This condition involves narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which can lead to obstruction of blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: In this rare congenital heart defect, the pulmonary veins do not connect normally to the left atrium. Instead, they drain into other veins that return blood to the right side of the heart.

These conditions can be difficult to diagnose and may require a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as echocardiography or cardiac MRI), and sometimes surgical intervention.

References:

• [8] Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the second most common congenital heart defect after ventricular septal defect (VSD). Diagnosis is often made by echocardiogram.
• [7] Isolated atrial septal defects (ASDs) in children: Classification, clinical features, and diagnosis.