Know about ASD
Atrial septal defect is a type of congenital defect which is present at birth. Septum that divides the heart chambers normally develops when the baby is in womb. Atrial septal defect is called for the abnormal formation of this septum that remains after birth.
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Atrial septal defects are called for the holes in the septum dividing atria. Atrial septal defect are of two types primum or secundum. Primum defects are present along with other heart defects like ventricular septal defect. Secundum defects appear as single hole, large or small hole. In some cases secundum may be more than one small hole in atrial septum. Smaller ASD’s doesn’t affect the working of heart and will not show any symptoms.
Symptoms of ASD are difficulty breathing, respiratory infections in children, palpitations in adults, and shortness of breath.
Cardiologist will recognize the size of ASD and how severe is ASD based on the symptoms, physical exam, and results of heart test. The tests done to detect ASD are echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, ECG, Heart MRI, Transesophageal echocardiography(TEE).
ASD repair involves catheterization, and open heart surgery.
