Is considered a congenital defect of the heart

Formation of a passageway in the heart exists during embryo stages

The passageway is called a foramen ovale

The foramen ovale is necessary while in the womb, oxygen comes to the embyro via the placenta rather than the lungs

The passageway typically covers itself during the end of fetal development and often completely becomes covered after birth when blood flow rises in the pulmonary system.

Atrial Septal Defect therefore is when the passageway continues after birth.

Diagnosis occurs often in children but can also be found in adults

Several forms exist
1.      Ostium secundum
2.      Ostium primum
3.      Sinus venous defect
4.      others

The passageway allows for blood to flow from the left atria to the right atria

This causes mixing of blood with oxygen and blood without oxygen called “shunting”The severity of the passageway determines the concern for the individual

A Right-to-Left shunting is a more alarming condition

Symptoms
  –  Elevated pulmonary hypertension
  –  Difficulty breathing
  –  Cough
  –  Atrial fibrillation
  –  Cardiac murmur
  –  Cardiac failure

ECG is helpful in some cases depending on size of foramen ovale.
X-ray can be useful
Echocardiography/Doppler is essential to confirm the diagnosis
MRI and CT can often visualize the defect itself.

Treatment
•          Antibiotic treatment to limit possible Endocarditis
•          Surgery
•          Percutaneous closure devices if available