Heart septal defect

Heart septal defect is a group of related congenital heart defects that involve an abnormal opening in the septum of the heart. The septum is a wall that separates the heart's left and right sides. Septal defects are commonly categorized into two main types: atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Types

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria). This condition allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right atrium. ASD can vary in size and may close on its own during infancy or require surgical repair.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the heart's two lower chambers (the ventricles). VSD is the most common congenital heart defect. Depending on the size of the hole, it may lead to significant heart problems or may close spontaneously.

Causes

The exact causes of heart septal defects are not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some conditions, such as Down syndrome, are associated with a higher incidence of septal defects.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart septal defects vary depending on the size and location of the defect. Small defects may cause no noticeable symptoms, while larger defects can lead to heart failure, poor growth, and respiratory infections in infants. Common symptoms in severe cases include shortness of breath, fatigue, and a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails (cyanosis).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of heart septal defects typically involves echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This test helps doctors see the structure of the heart and the nature of the blood flow through its chambers and valves. Other diagnostic tools may include electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and cardiac MRI.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and impact of the defect. Small septal defects may require no treatment or only periodic monitoring. Larger defects usually require surgical intervention to prevent complications. Treatment options include surgical repair or the placement of a synthetic patch over the opening using cardiac catheterization.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with heart septal defects varies. Those with small, asymptomatic defects may live normal lives without any complications. Individuals with larger defects corrected through surgery generally have a good prognosis, although they may require ongoing cardiac care and monitoring throughout their lives.

See also

• Congenital heart defect
• Cardiology
• Pediatric cardiology