Atrial septal defect

Alternative names:

ASD

Treatment:

ASD may not require treatment if there are few or no symptoms. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the atrial septal defect is large or if symptoms occur. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing bacterial endocarditis.

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 decreased blood flow and shunting of blood back into the peripheral circulation without the blood having been reoxygenated by the lungs.

Complications:

• pulmonary hypertension
• arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation
• heart failure
• stroke
• bacterial endocarditis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate an atrial septal defect may be present.