People born with an atrial septal defect have a hole between the upper chambers of the heart. With small defects, symptoms might not occur or they may be mild. However, larger defects can have serious consequences and be potentially life-threatening without proper treatment.
Doctors believe that certain genetic changes contribute to this heart defect, although the exact cause is not clear. Some pregnancy risk factors increase the chance of a congenital heart defect, such as:
A healthy pregnancy can protect your baby, so be sure to ask your obstetrician for guidance and advice when it comes to lifestyle factors.
As a congenital condition, atrial septal defects can sometimes cause symptoms in children. In this case, a child may be diagnosed with a heart murmur, along with low weight and frequent respiratory infections.
For most people, this congenital heart defect does not cause issues until age 40 or so. In adults, symptoms include:
Large atrial septal defects can also lead to complications. Arrhythmia, strokes, heart failure, and pulmonary tension can result from ongoing strain on the heart and damage to the blood vessels.
When atrial septal defects are small, they may close during childhood. In the event that a small hole between the chambers remains, your child’s doctor will likely recommend regular monitoring.
For larger defects that cause health issues, doctors can prescribe medication or surgery: