{"id":42878,"date":"2025-12-20T06:47:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T06:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/atrial-septal-defect-the-hole-in-the-heart-that-sometimes-goes-unnoticed-for-years\/"},"modified":"2025-12-20T06:47:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T06:47:42","slug":"atrial-septal-defect-the-hole-in-the-heart-that-sometimes-goes-unnoticed-for-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/atrial-septal-defect-the-hole-in-the-heart-that-sometimes-goes-unnoticed-for-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Atrial Septal Defect: The \u2018Hole in the Heart\u2019 That Sometimes Goes Unnoticed for Years"},"content":{"rendered":"

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a type of congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth. It is characterized by a hole in the wall, or septum, that separates the top two chambers of the heart (the atria). While this may sound alarming, many people with ASD have no issues, and some holes can even close on their own. For others, the condition can lead to complications later in life. Understanding the potential\u00a0<\/span>atrial septal defect symptoms<\/span><\/b>\u00a0is key to\u00a0timely\u00a0diagnosis and management. Fortunately, modern\u00a0<\/span>atrial septal defect treatment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0options are highly effective, allowing individuals to live healthy, active lives. This guide will provide a clear overview of the condition, from detection to intervention.\u00a0<\/span>Get\u00a0<\/span>a consultation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0with the\u00a0<\/span>best\u00a0<\/span><\/b>cardiologists in Brooklyn.<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is an atrial septal defect?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a normal heart, the\u00a0right side\u00a0pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs, and the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.\u00a0The septum\u00a0prevents this blood from mixing. With an ASD, the hole in the atrial septum allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to leak into the right atrium. This mixture is then pumped back to the lungs, even though it is already oxygenated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This process makes the heart and lungs work harder. Over time, if the ASD is large and left untreated, this extra workload can damage the heart and lung arteries. A specialized\u00a0<\/span>cardiologist<\/span><\/b>\u00a0can assess the size of the defect and\u00a0determine\u00a0the best course of action.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recognizing Atrial Septal Defect Symptoms<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many children born with ASD show no signs of the condition. The defect is often discovered incidentally during a routine check-up when a doctor hears a heart murmur. When symptoms do appear, it is usually in adulthood.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common\u00a0<\/span>atrial septal defect symptoms<\/span><\/b>\u00a0can include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n