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Key Points
- A hole in the heart is a type of simple
congenital
heart defect (a problem with the heart's structure that's present at
birth). Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the
heart.
- The heart has two sides, which are separated by
an inner wall called the septum. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the
upper part of the septum, which separates the atria. A ventricular septal
defect (VSD) is a hole in the lower part of the septum, which separates the
ventricles.
- ASDs and VSDs allow oxygen-rich blood from the
left side of the heart to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the
heart, increasing the flow of blood out of the heart to the lungs.
- ASDs and VSDs can be small or large. Many small
ASDs and VSDs close on their own as the heart grows during childhood. Large
holes in the septum are less likely to close on their own over time.
- Doctors don't know what causes most holes in the
heart.
- A
heart
murmur (an extra flow sound associated with the heartbeat) is the most
common sign of both ASD and VSD. Sometimes, it's the only sign.
- Many babies born with ASDs have no signs or
symptoms.
- Children with small VSDs also have no symptoms,
but babies with large VSDs can have symptoms of
heart
failure.
- ASDs and VSDs are usually diagnosed based on
results from a physical exam and special tests.
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Echocardiography is commonly used to diagnose ASD and VSD. Other tests
include
EKG
(electrocardiogram), chest x ray, pulse oximetry, and
cardiac
catheterization.
- Depending on where the hole is located and how
large it is, treatment may be needed. Catheter procedures and surgery are used
to treat holes in the heart.
- With new advances in testing and treatment, most
children with holes in the heart grow into adulthood and lead normal, healthy,
and productive lives.
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Living With Links
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