FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN ASD?
Most people with ASD are asymptomatic until later in life. Sometimes, patients will develop shortness of breath.
Understanding Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) closure can help you navigate your treatment journey with confidence. An ASD is an opening in the wall dividing your heart’s upper chambers, and closing it can enhance your heart’s performance and ward off potential complications.
Your cardiologist may recommend either transcatheter or surgical closure, depending on your ASD’s characteristics, your age, overall health, and their expertise.
The transcatheter method is less invasive and often preferred when appropriate. Here’s a brief overview:
- You’ll receive anesthesia or sedation.
- A catheter is inserted through a vein, typically in your groin.
- Your doctor guides it to your heart using imaging technology.
- A closure device is deployed, sealing the defect.
- You’ll likely experience a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
For larger ASDs or those unsuitable for the transcatheter approach, surgical closure might be necessary. These steps are followed:
- It involves open-heart surgery under general anesthesia.
- You’ll be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine.
- The surgeon directly accesses your heart to close the defect.
- Recovery time is longer compared to the transcatheter method.
Post-procedure, you’ll be closely monitored. Transcatheter patients often return home within days, while surgical patients may need an extended stay. Follow-up care includes echocardiograms to ensure a successful closure.
Many people with ASD may not experience noticeable symptoms, especially in childhood. However, some common signs include:
Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise
Fatigue or weakness
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Bluish skin color (in severe cases)
- Poor growth in children
- Stroke (in rare cases)
If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor promptly for an evaluation.
Doctors typically diagnose ASDs through:
- Physical exams, listening for heart murmurs
- Echocardiograms to visualize the defect
- Electrocardiograms to check heart rhythm
- Chest X-rays to assess heart size
- In some cases, cardiac MRI, CT scans, or catheterization
ASD closure is generally recommended if you have:
- A moderate-to-large ASD (usually over 5-10 mm)
- Symptoms affecting your quality of life
- Signs of right heart enlargement or increased lung pressure
- An ASD that hasn’t self-closed by age 3-5 (in children)
- A newly diagnosed ASD as an adult with heart strain
- Risk of blood clots passing through the ASD
Small, asymptomatic ASDs may only require monitoring. Always consult your cardiologist to determine the best course of action for your specific case.
CVG’s cardiologists and cardiac teams provide care in our advanced facilities and offer expertise in both closure techniques. If you suspect you have an ASD or have been diagnosed with one, contact CVG for further testing and treatment. We can guide you through your options and help you take the first step towards a healthier heart.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.