Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial septal defect is a defect of the upper chambers of the heart (atria) where the wall between the right and left atria does not close completely. This defect is present at birth (congenital).

Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors of Atrial Septal Defect:

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect. In fetal circulation there is normally an opening between the two atria (the upper chambers of the heart) to allow blood to bypass the lungs. This opening usually closes about the time the baby is born. If the atrial septal defect is persistent, blood continues to flow from the left to the right atria. This is called a shunt.

Atrial septal defect is present in 4 out of 100,000 people. When no other congenital defect coexists, symptoms may be absent, particularly in children. Symptoms usually have manifested by age 30. Individuals with atrial septal defect are at an increased risk for developing a number of complications including:

·   infective endocarditis (a bacterial infection of the heart)

·   heart failure

·   an abnormal fast heart rhythm known as atrial fibrilation

Treatment of Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial septal defect may not require treatment if there are few or no symptoms, or if the defect is small. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the atrial septal defect is large or if symptoms occur.

Recently, a new procedure has been developed to help close the atrial septal defect without surgery. This involves the introduction of a closure device into the heart through wires or catheters.

A tiny incision is made in the groin to introduce the catheters. They are then advanced into the heart where the closure devise is placed across the atrial septal defect and the defect is closed.

This procedure is relatively new and may not be applicable to all patients. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis.

Learn more about atrial septal defect at the Brenner Children’s Hospital web site.

Atrial Septal Defect