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Atrial septal defect?
DefinitionAtrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect in which the wall that separates the upper heart chambers (atria) does not close completely. Congenital means the defect is present at birth.Alternative NamesASDCauses, incidence, and risk factorsIn fetal circulation, there is normally an opening between the two atria (the upper chambers of the heart) to allow blood to bypass the lungs. This opening usually closes around the time the baby is born.If the ASD is persistent, blood continues to flow from the left to the right atria. This is called a shunt. If too much blood moves to the right side of the heart, pressures in the lungs build up. The shunt can be reversed so that blood flows from right to left. Small atrial septal defects often cause very few problems and may be found much later in life. Many problems can occur if the shunt is large, however. In advanced and severe cases with large shunts the increased pressure on the right side of the heart would result in reversal of blood flow (now from right to left). This usually results in significant shortness of breath.ASD is not very common. When the person has no other congenital defect, symptoms may be absent, particularly in children. Symptoms may begin any time after birth through childhood. Individuals with ASD are at an increased risk for developing a number of complications including:Atrial fibrillation (in adults)Heart failurePulmonary overcirculationPulmonary hypertensionStrokeSymptomsSmall to moderate sized defects may produce no symptoms, or not until middle age or later. Symptoms that may occur can include:Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)Frequent respiratory infections in childrenSensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) in adultsShortness of breath with activitySigns and testsThe doctor may hear abnormal heart sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. A murmur may be heard only in certain body positions, and sometimes a murmur may not be heard at all. The physical exam may also reveal signs of heart failure in some adults.If the shunt is large, increased blood flow across the tricuspid valve may create an additional murmur when the heart relaxes between beats.Tests that may done include:Cardiac catheterizationChest x-rayCoronary angiography (for patients over 35 years old)Doppler study of the heartECGEchocardiographyHeart MRITransesophageal echocardiography (TEE)TreatmentASD may not require treatment if there are few or no symptoms, or if the defect is small. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the defect is large, the heart is swollen, or symptoms occur.A procedure has been developed to close the defect without surgery. The procedure involves placing an ASD closure device into the heart through tubes called catheters. The health care provider makes a tiny surgical cut in the groin, then inserts the catheters into a blood vessel and up into the heart. The closure device is then placed across the ASD and the defect is closed.Not all patients with atrial septal defects can have this procedure.Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis immediately after surgery for the ASD, but they are not required later on.Expectations (prognosis)With a small to moderate atrial septal defect, a person may live a normal life span without symptoms. Larger defects may cause disability by middle age because of increased blood flow and shunting of blood back into the pulmonary circulation.Some patients with ASD may have other congenital heart conditions, such as a leaky valve.ComplicationsArrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillationHeart failurePulmonary hypertensionStrokeCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if symptoms indicating an atrial septal defect develop.PreventionThere is no known way to prevent the defect, but some of the complications can be prevented with early detection.ReferencesWebb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, et al. Congenital heart disease. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 61.Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/04/2010Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What is Atrial Fibrillation and How Can It Be Treated?
What is atrial fibrillation?Atrial fibrillation is a condition that occurs when the atria, which are the heart's top two chambers, begin to beat erratically. Thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure and drinking alcohol all increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation does not always indicate something serious, but it can sometimes lead to strokes and heart failure if it is left untreated.What are some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?A racing heartbeat is one of the first symptoms that people with atrial fibrillation will notice. Other symptoms include: chest pain, lightheadness, shortness of breath and decreased blood pressure. Atrial fibrillation can be classified as being acute or chronic. People who have acute atrial fibrillation experience the symptoms every now and then. The symptoms may last for a few hours, but they usually go away on their own. Those who have chronic atrial fibrillation always have an irregular heartbeat.What are some of the treatments available for atrial fibrillation?A doctor will usually prescribe an anti-arrhythmic medication such as Beta Pace and Tambocor. These medications work by helping the heart maintain a normal rhythm. The doctor may also elect to perform a procedure called electrical cardioconversion. Electrical cardioconversion involves stopping the heart with an electric shock. When the heart starts beating again, its rhythm will be normal. A patient is sedated before an electrical cardioconversion is performed.What can be done to prevent atrial fibrillation?There are a few things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Caffeine and alcohol beverages have a tendency to trigger this condition. That is why the consumption of those type of beverages should be limited. It is also important to limit one's intake of salt and eat more heart healthy foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables. Exercise can also help prevent atrial fibrillation as well as improve the overall health of the heart.
What are the symptoms of esophageal atresia?
An infant born with this defect will at first appear all right, swallowing normally. However, the blind pouch will begin to fill with mucus and saliva that would normally pass through the esophagus to the stomach. These secretions back up.
How longafter you stop using lortab and xanax should you begin suboxone?
As soon as you begin to feel the withdrawal symptoms, only then should you begin taking suboxene. If taken before withdrawals begin you are subject to be really sick, so don't try it before the symptoms begin
How early can pregnancy symptoms begin?
Usually in 2 to 3 day
When do symptoms of morquio syndrome begin to show?
ask two chainz
When do symptoms of Type 3 Gaucher disease occur?
Symptoms of Type 3 Gaucher disease begin during early childhood with symptoms like Type 1.
What are the symptoms of RMSF?
Symptoms of RMSF begin within two weeks of the bite of the infected tick. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, with high fever, chills, headache, severe weakness, and muscle pain. Pain in the large muscle of the calf is very common, and may be severe
When does a patient with diabetes insipidus begin to suffer symptoms of dehydration?
When the amount of water passed in the urine exceeds the patient's ability to drink ample replacement water, the patient may begin to suffer from symptoms of dehydration
Are communicable diseases are most contagious in the later stages as symptoms begin to lessen?
No
Are communicable diseases most contagious in the later stages as symptoms begin to lessen?
No
At what age typically do symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) begin to manifest in children?
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically begin to manifest in children around the age of 2 or 3 years old.
