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Atrial septal defect
Does atrial septal defect increase in size as age progresses?
The defects in the atrial septum tend to enlarge as one ages, and with the enlargement of the atrial septal defect, the patient's condition will also gradually worsen. Of course, some small atrial septal defects may close gradually as one ages after birth. For atrial septal defects that cannot close, if they gradually enlarge, they will lead to symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath in patients and are likely to cause respiratory infections. As the condition progresses, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension and cause right heart failure. For atrial septal defects that cannot close, if there are indications for surgery, active surgical treatment should be provided to prevent the worsening of the condition.
Causes of atrial septal defect in babies
Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease, which is related to genetic factors, environmental pollution, exposure to radiation during pregnancy, and viral infections. The severity of atrial septal defect in babies varies. Babies with mild symptoms are generally not easily detected, often being discovered during physical examinations or when other diseases prompt stethoscopic evaluation, revealing heart murmurs. Babies with severe conditions may experience significant hypoxia after birth, exhibiting cyanosis, rapid breathing, cyanotic lips, weak crying, reduced feeding, with symptoms becoming more pronounced during crying. These babies have lower immunity, making them prone to recurrent respiratory infections, and in severe cases, can lead to heart failure. Therefore, it is important to provide extra care in daily life, ensure proper nutrition, enhance physical health, and opt for surgical correction as soon as conditions permit.
Is a ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension mild or severe?
The most common complication of atrial septal defect is pulmonary hypertension, which can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, mild pulmonary hypertension is not a major issue and is not considered very serious. However, moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension often accompanies repeated coughing, shortness of breath after exercise, or difficulty breathing. This situation is relatively serious and it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. If the condition reaches a severe stage, pulmonary hypertension could continuously increase. Furthermore, in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, closing the atrial septum can lead to severe breathing difficulties and increased shortness of breath. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Does a ventricular septal defect make it easier to catch a cold?
Mild atrial septal defects generally permit a normal life and do not easily cause colds. However, when pulmonary hypertension and heart failure occur with an atrial septal defect, it can lead to pulmonary congestion. At this point, bacterial colonization occurs, making respiratory infections more likely to develop. However, the colds we often refer to are upper respiratory tract infections, and atrial septal defects generally do not cause a decrease in immune system function. However, if the upper respiratory tract infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to bronchitis, lung infections, etc., often exacerbating heart failure associated with the atrial septal defect. Therefore, while an atrial septal defect does not cause colds, patients with an atrial septal defect should address colds early to prevent the onset of heart failure triggered by the cold.
Postoperative complications of atrial septal defect intervention surgery
Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in clinical practice. Minimally invasive interventional treatment can effectively address atrial septal defects and generally leaves no surgical scars. The complications of atrial septal defects can be analyzed from the following aspects: First, puncture complications. Atrial septal defects require the puncture of the femoral vein. A small number of patients may experience complications such as arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, or hematoma at the puncture site. Generally, these complications are not serious and do not endanger the patient's life. Second, complications from dislodged occlusion devices. If the occlusion device becomes dislodged, it can lead to serious complications, including obstruction of the relevant blood vessels. Third, hemolytic reactions. A small number of patients may develop hemolytic reactions to the occlusion device. Such complications are also quite serious; however, they are very rare in clinical practice and do not require excessive concern.
Postoperative precautions for atrial septal defect surgery
Ventricular septal defect surgery is often divided into surgical operations and interventional treatments by the Department of Internal Medicine. For interventional treatments, it is important to rest in bed for 24 hours afterwards. Also, the site of the puncture needs to be immobilized for at least eight hours, so it is important to regularly check the heart with an echocardiogram after the surgery. After surgical operations, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with easily digestible foods. Within a month after surgery, try to avoid strenuous activities, and regularly check the heart with an echocardiogram under the guidance of a doctor.
Will babies with atrial septal defects develop slowly?
Babies with atrial septal defects do not necessarily develop more slowly. An atrial septal defect is one of the congenital heart diseases. If the diameter of the defect is relatively small, it will not affect the normal blood flow of the heart, the oxygen supply to the body, or significantly impact daily activities like sleeping or exercising for the baby. The growth and development of the baby would be normal, with no abnormalities compared to their peers. However, if the diameter of the atrial septal defect is relatively large, typically exceeding 6-8 millimeters, it can cause the baby to experience a lack of oxygen during physical activities, leading to a compromised quality of life and potentially causing delayed development.
What should I do if a ventricular septal defect causes feeding difficulties?
If the patient has a ventricular septal defect, it is still recommended that the patient seek hospital treatment. A murmur can be heard in the precordial area, and it is also advisable for the patient to undergo an echocardiogram to check if the defect is too large. If there is difficulty feeding during breastfeeding, it is personally advised not to breastfeed. Formula can be used instead, because if heart failure is not handled in a timely manner, it may sometimes worsen the symptoms. Since this is a congenital heart disease, the current treatment is primarily surgical. Medical treatment in internal medicine is not very effective and is prone to recurrence. During this period, it is also important to monitor changes in the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If there is an accelerated heart rate or increased blood pressure, these need to be addressed.
Can people with atrial septal defect run?
Atrial septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease. It is advised that patients avoid long-distance travel or running as these activities can increase the burden on the heart and also increase myocardial oxygen consumption. Surgical treatment is recommended for this condition. Patients with atrial septal defect may also experience symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness, and a murmur can be heard in the precordial area. If the symptoms are severe, it is recommended that the patient primarily rests and avoids participating in sports activities, especially running. Running can require a lot of oxygen, or cause a rapid heart rate. A rapid heart rate can lead to increased myocardial oxygen consumption and may result in compensatory symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. This situation is very dangerous and needs to be dealt with promptly; it is best to go to the hospital.
Can babies with ventricular septal defect sleep on their stomachs?
If the child has an atrial septal defect, it is not recommended for them to sleep on their stomach because this position can increase the burden on the heart, leading to an overload of the heart. This is a type of congenital heart disease. Currently, surgical treatment is primarily recommended, as early surgical intervention can alleviate the symptoms in children. Patients with ventricular septal defects typically display signs of ischemia and hypoxia, which can affect a child’s growth and development. It is advised to periodically re-examine the heart through echocardiography. If the defect is relatively large, early surgical treatment is recommended. It is also important to actively prevent upper respiratory infections, which can be beneficial for the child. In terms of sleeping posture, it is not recommended to sleep on the stomach; the best position is lying on the left side, as this can help alleviate the burden on the child’s heart.