Does an asymptomatic atrial septal defect require treatment?

Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
Updated on December 01, 2024
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If the patient has a ventricular septal defect and shows no obvious symptoms, it is possible to initially observe the condition. Firstly, this is a type of congenital heart disease, and it is recommended that the patient undergo a cardiac echocardiography to further confirm the diagnosis. If the defect is relatively large, surgery might sometimes be recommended. If the defect is not very large and the patient shows no obvious symptoms, there might be no need for immediate intervention, and regular monitoring would suffice. During this period, it is still important to monitor changes in the patient's blood pressure and heart rate. If the heart rate is too fast or the blood pressure is high, it might sometimes be necessary to actively treat these issues, possibly using medication to improve symptoms. In terms of treatment, surgery is generally advised as the main approach since medication often does not yield very effective results for this condition.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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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.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Causes of infant room septal defect

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in infants and young children. The causes of atrial septal defects are not very clear, but modern medicine considers that it may be related to the mother having a cold during pregnancy or taking certain medications, or to certain physical and chemical factors during pregnancy. Generally, atrial septal defects are not inherited and are not largely related to genetics.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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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
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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.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can atrial septal defect heal by itself?

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in infants and toddlers. It is indeed possible for a child's atrial septal defect to close on its own. Some atrial septal defects can close as the child grows. Depending on the severity, atrial septal defects can be categorized into small defects. Generally, if the defect is less than 5 millimeters, it is possible for the defect to close as the child develops. If it has not closed by the age of two, it generally will not close on its own thereafter.