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- Common symptoms of adult congenital heart defects include: Shortness of breath, especially during exercise Tiredness Cyanosis (a blue tint to the lips, skin, or fingernails caused by a lack of oxygen) A heart murmur Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Swelling of the extremities
www.ottawaheart.ca/heart-condition/adult-congenital-heart-defectsAdult Congenital Heart Defects - University of Ottawa Heart ...
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Can a hole in the heart cause symptoms?
How common is a hole in the heart?
What is a hole in the heart?
What is a hole in the middle of the atrial septum?
Can a large ventricular hole cause a heart murmur?
How does a large atrial septal defect affect the heart?
Symptoms of atrial septal defect in adults. Adults with ASD may also have signs and symptoms such as; shortness of breath; you may not be able to exercise for long; feeling tired; irregular or extra heart beats; fainting; lung infections. If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor.
- Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
Signs and symptoms of AVSD. Diagnosis of AVSD. Treatment of...
- Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
- Overview
- Risk factors
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Survival rate
- Complications
- Summary
A hole in the heart is a nonmedical term for a type of congenital heart defect. There are many types of holes in the heart, and most are present from birth. Almost 7 out of 10 infants born with a hole in the heart survive into adulthood.
Around 1% of babies born in the United States have a congenital heart defect, such as a hole in the heart.
Rarely, holes in the heart can form after birth. For example, they can develop during a heart attack or after a medical procedure. Atrial septal abnormalities, where a hole develops in the heart’s septum, are quite common in children.
While experts do not know what causes holes in the heart, genetics can often be a factor. However, other factors may also influence the development of these heart abnormalities.
People may experience symptoms according to the type of hole they have in the heart. While they may not necessarily require treatment, those causing symptoms or complications may require surgery.
Keep reading to learn more about holes in the heart, including the different types, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Experts do not know what causes most congenital heart abnormalities. However, genetics often play a role, and some may be more common in people with a family history of the condition or with chromosomal abnormalities.
Environmental factors may also affect heart development. For example, pregnant people who have exposure to certain chemicals or drugs may be more likely to give birth to infants with heart abnormalities.
Substances that may pose a risk include:
•medicines for high blood pressure called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors
•statins
•thalidomide
A hole in the heart can lead to the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This may put stress on the side of the heart that is getting more blood flow than expected, which may cause a condition called cyanosis. Cyanosis refers to skin discoloration resulting from circulation issues of oxygenated blood.
Additionally, a stroke or a transient ischemic attack — known as a mini stroke — can occur if blood skips the lungs and moves straight to the arterial side through the atrial septal abnormality or PFO.
A doctor who suspects a hole in the heart may order one or more of the following tests to make a diagnosis:
•an echocardiogram of the chest
•a cardiac CT
•a cardiac MRI
•a chest X-ray
•an exercise stress test for adults
Treatment depends on:
•the type of hole
•location of the hole
•the person’s age
•whether the person is experiencing symptoms
For example, a small ventricular septal abnormality may not require treatment if it causes no noticeable symptoms.
Survival rates depend largely on the severity of the hole in the heart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 97% of infants with nonserious types of congenital heart abnormalities survive for at least a year. Additionally, health experts predict that around 95% of infants with these abnormalities will live to 18 years of age.
However, 75% of those born with serious heart abnormalities tend to survive at least one year, with 69% expected to survive until adulthood.
Generally, the survival and medical interventions for infants with serious congenital heart abnormalities are improving.
Complications may vary substantially, depending on the type of hole in the heart and its size.
With atrial septal abnormalities, possible complications may include:
•arrhythmia
•high blood pressure
•stroke
•heart failure
A hole in the heart typically forms before birth and may close on its own afterward. However, some holes may remain and cause symptoms or lead to complications.
Symptom severity can vary depending on the size and location of the hole. Doctors often detect holes in the heart during pregnancy or not long after birth.
Some people only find out they have a hole in their heart when they are well into their adulthood. They may start experiencing symptoms, or their doctor may detect a murmur during a routine exam.
Treatment may require surgery, but this depends mainly on the size of the hole and whether it is causing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of AVSD. Diagnosis of AVSD. Treatment of AVSD. Life with AVSD. Help and support. What is AVSD? Atrioventricular septal defect, also known as AVSD, is a large hole or holes in the wall between the chambers of the heart. There is only one valve, instead of two, between the upper and lower chambers.
Jan 23, 2024 · An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a heart condition that you're born with. That means it's a congenital heart defect. People with an ASD have a hole between the upper heart chambers. The hole increases the amount of blood going through the lungs.
Oct 30, 2020 · “Atrial septal defects are an uncommon diagnosis in adults, as most are detected and treated, or close spontaneously, in childhood. When diagnosed in adults, they will require elective closure unless the defect is small,” Naik said. In the past the hole was closed via sutures or a synthetic patch placed over the hole.
Jul 15, 2022 · Symptoms of an ASD in adults. Adults with ASD may feel symptoms by age 40. Symptoms depend on how much the ASD has strained the heart and lungs. They include: Fatigue. Shortness of breath with exercise. Heart palpitations. Fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Swelling in the arms and legs. Blue skin color (cyanosis). If you have any of these symptoms ...
What is an atrial septal defect (ASD)? A normal heart has four chambers: two at the top; the right atrium and left atrium, and two at the bottom; the right ventricle and left ventricle. An ASD is a congenital (present at birth) abnormality and is characterised by a hole in the wall (septum) between the two top chambers of the heart.
