Atrial septal defect (ASD)

It is a congenital defect in which there is a hole in the upper chambers of the heart which results in increased blood circulation through the lungs. Small defects may close in early childhood but long-term defect needs surgical treatment.

Types

• Secundum
  • • Most common
    • Affects the middle of the wall between the upper chambers
• Primum
  • • Affects the lower part of the atrial septum
• Sinus venosus
  • • Rare type
    • Affects the upper part of the wall separating chambers
• Coronary sinus
  • • Rare type
    • Part of the wall between the coronary sinus & the upper left chamber is missing

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Breathing problems
• Swelling in legs, belly, or feet
• Rapid heartbeat or skipped beats
• Heart murmur

Causes

• Genetics
• Lifestyle changes
• Use of certain medicines
• Drug usage

Complications

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Early death
• Arrhythmias
• Pulmonary hypertension

Treatment

• To reduce the signs and symptoms certain drugs (beta blockers & anticoagulants) are used.
• For large atrial septal defects surgery is recommended.
• Two methods are available:

1. Catheter-based repair– A thin tube is guided into the vessel & a mesh patch is passed through it to the heart. Gradually, heart tissue grows around this mesh, and the hole is permanently closed.
2. Open-heart surgery- An incision is given in the chest to access the heart and patches are placed on the hole to close it.

Prevention

• Review medical history
• Discuss your health during pregnancy
• Get vaccinated for measles during pregnancy

Some Facts about Atrial Septal Defect Surgery

Role of Parishay Healthcare in planning treatment for Atrial Septal Defect!

After you contact us, a relationship manager is allocated to you who arranges a teleconsultation with an excellent healthcare provider according to your need. After your consent, we move forward with your untroubled travel arrangements, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

For more information visit our website www.parishayafrica.com