ASDs are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic tests. Your doctor might suspect an ASD if they hear a heart murmur during a routine checkup. To confirm the diagnosis, you may undergo:

• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound of your heart can show the size, location, and blood flow through the ASD.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records your heart’s electrical activity and can show signs of right heart enlargement.
• Chest X-ray: This can reveal changes in heart size or lung blood flow.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: These provide detailed images of your heart structure.
• Cardiac catheterization: This invasive test might be used in complex cases to measure pressures in your heart chambers.

ASD closure is generally recommended if you have:

• A moderate-to-large ASD (typically larger than 5-10 mm).
• Symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue.
• Evidence of right heart enlargement or pulmonary hypertension.
• An ASD that hasn’t closed spontaneously by age 3-5 (for children).
• A newly diagnosed ASD as an adult, especially with right heart strain.
• Risk of paradoxical embolism or a history of stroke potentially related to the ASD.
• Very small ASDs without symptoms may not require closure and can be monitored over time. Always consult with your cardiologist to make the best decision for your individual case.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), understanding the closure procedure can help ease your concerns. An ASD is a hole in the wall between your heart’s upper chambers, and closing it can improve your heart function and prevent complications.

You have two main options for ASD closure: transcatheter and surgical. Your cardiologist will recommend the best approach based on your specific situation, including the size and location of your ASD, your age, overall health, and their expertise.

Transcatheter closure is minimally invasive and often preferred when suitable. Here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll be under anesthesia or sedation.
• A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a vein, usually in your groin.
• Your doctor guides the catheter to your heart using imaging techniques.
• A closure device is deployed through the catheter, sealing the defect.
• You’ll likely have a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.

If your ASD is larger or not suitable for the transcatheter approach, you might need surgical closure. This involves:

• Open-heart surgery under general anesthesia.
• Connection to a heart-lung bypass machine.
• Direct access to your heart to close the defect with sutures or a patch.
• A longer hospital stay and recovery period.

After either procedure, you’ll be closely monitored. Transcatheter patients often go home within days, while surgical patients may need a longer stay. You’ll have follow-up appointments and echocardiograms to ensure a successful closure.

If you suspect you have an ASD or have been diagnosed with one, don’t hesitate to contact CVG. We will 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.