Can a ventricular septal defect have a vaginal delivery?

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in adults. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with this condition, they often ask their doctor one question: "Can I give birth naturally?" This question requires a case-by-case analysis. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, does not cause changes in the heart structure, or lead to heart failure, then natural childbirth is definitely possible. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe and causes changes in heart structure, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, then natural childbirth is generally not advisable. It is best to opt for a cesarean section under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the burden on the pregnant woman and reduce the occurrence of serious incidents.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

42sec

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Can atrial septal defect of the patent foramen ovale type heal itself?

This disease is a congenital heart disease, and it is recommended that the patient undergo a cardiac echocardiography. If symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness occur, and distinct murmurs can be heard in the precordial area, surgical treatment is sometimes advised. After all, an atrial septal defect can lead to certain conditions, especially in children who are prone to pediatric pneumonia or bronchitis, which can affect their growth and development. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach. If the issue is not very serious, the defect might heal on its own as the child grows, but this possibility is relatively small. In most cases, surgery is recommended.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 38sec

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Can someone with an atrial septal defect get pregnant?

Whether patients with atrial septal defects can become pregnant depends on the following factors: 1. Whether the patient normally has symptoms. 2. Whether the echocardiography indicates heart enlargement or pulmonary hypertension. 3. The size of the atrial septal defect. 4. Whether there is a combination of arrhythmias such as atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, and complications such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. For those without symptoms, and where the defect does not cause pulmonary hypertension or right heart enlargement, choosing to become pregnant is possible. Complications are not common in pregnant women with isolated atrial septal defects without pulmonary hypertension. Studies have shown that the incidence of complications in pregnant women, whether the defect is repaired or not, is relatively low. If the patient has related arrhythmias and complications, it should be closely monitored, because the cardiovascular system of the mother undergoes changes during pregnancy, leading to increased cardiac workload and a higher burden on the heart, which in turn can increase the incidence of arrhythmias. For women who are already at high risk of atrial flutter or fibrillation, this risk can increase further. Additionally, pregnant women are in an older physiological state, making it easier to form blood clots, and for those with atrial septal defects, the risk of paradoxical thrombosis increases.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 26sec

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How does septal defect shunt?

Atrial septal defect is the most common congenital heart disease in adults, accounting for 20%-30% of all adult congenital heart conditions. The impact of an atrial septal defect on hemodynamics primarily depends on the amount of shunting. Due to higher pressure in the left atrium compared to the right atrium, a left-to-right shunt is formed. The amount of shunting depends on the size of the defect, as well as the compliance of the left and right ventricles and the relative resistance in the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Diseases that affect the compliance of the left ventricle, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease, can increase the extent of the left-to-right shunt. A continuous increase in pulmonary blood flow leads to pulmonary congestion, increasing the load on the right heart. Pulmonary vascular compliance decreases, progressing from functional pulmonary arterial hypertension to organic pulmonary arterial hypertension. As right heart system pressure continuously increases and eventually exceeds the pressure in the left heart system, the original left-to-right shunt reverses to become a right-to-left shunt, resulting in cyanosis.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 13sec

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Symptoms of an infant's room septal defect

Symptoms of ventricular septal defect in infants are as follows: 1. Symptoms: If the mother had intrauterine infections within the first three months of pregnancy, was exposed to significant amounts of radiation, took teratogenic medications, or had metabolic disorders, these factors could contribute to the condition. The patient is prone to recurrent respiratory infections and exhibits symptoms of palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and excessive sweating. If these symptoms worsen after physical activity or crying and are accompanied by cyanosis, congenital heart disease should be considered. Cyanosis can intensify during severe crying episodes, pneumonia, or heart failure in infants, and may be accompanied by a hoarse voice. 2. Physical signs: Notable findings include a bulging in the precordial area and diffuse apical impulse. A soft, systolic murmur can be heard between the second and third ribs along the left margin of the sternum.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

48sec

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Can a ventricular septal defect have a vaginal delivery?

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in adults. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with this condition, they often ask their doctor one question: "Can I give birth naturally?" This question requires a case-by-case analysis. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, does not cause changes in the heart structure, or lead to heart failure, then natural childbirth is definitely possible. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe and causes changes in heart structure, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, then natural childbirth is generally not advisable. It is best to opt for a cesarean section under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the burden on the pregnant woman and reduce the occurrence of serious incidents.