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Atrial septal defect
Atrial septal defect
Summary
What is it about?
An atrial septal defect is a “hole” in the interatrial septum, thereby creating a connection between the left atrium and the right atrium. It is a common congenital malformation (6–10% of congenital heart diseases; 1 in 1,500 births).
As a result of this atrial septal defect, oxygenated blood mixes with “deoxygenated” blood. This leads to an increased workload for the right atrium, the right ventricle and the lungs.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath or fatigue during exertion, palpitations... People with an atrial septal defect are more prone to cerebrovascular accidents.
Treatment
It depends on their size, location, and effects on the heart and lungs. Very often, the atrial septal defect will be closed surgically. It is possible to close them percutaneously (that is, without surgically opening the chest, using cardiac catheterisation techniques).