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Atrial Septal Defect
Alternate Names : ASD
DefinitionA 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).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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 ASD is persistent, blood continues to flow from the left to the right atria. This is called a shunt.
ASD 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 ASD 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
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- Neuropathy
- Breast Cancer
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
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• Definition
• Atrial Septal Defect Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Atrial Septal Defect Symptoms & Signs
• Atrial Septal Defect Prevention
• Atrial Septal Defect Diagnosis & Tests
• Atrial Septal Defect Treatment
• Atrial Septal Defect Prognosis
• Atrial Septal Defect Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Arrhythmias
• Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
• Heart Failure
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Tests & Exams
• Chest MRI
• Chest X-Ray
• Coronary Angiography
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
Other Topics
• Auscultation
• Breathing Difficulty
• Heart Murmurs and Other Sounds
• Heartbeat Sensations
Review Date : 5/17/2002
Reviewed By : Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Medical Center, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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