What are the symptoms of an atrial septal defect (ASD)?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Children with atrial septal defects (ASD) are usually slender in build and have a heart murmur caused by the extra blood flow due to the defect. They may experience shortness of breath or heart palpitations. However, they can be normally active, show no other outward symptoms, and aren't restricted from exercise.
However the larger the defect, the more children are likely to have symptoms. Infants with a large ASD may develop congestive heart failure. But a defect smaller than 2 millimeters has a high probability that it will close on its own. Surgery isn't usually performed in these cases.
Larger ASDs which may not close cause excessive blood flow, which can increase the size of the right atrium, and cause high pressures that may distort the shape of the pulmonary artery. An enlarged right atrium can result in abnormal heart rhythms and the effects cannot be reversed by closing the ASD. Untreated ASD can result in heart failure in young adulthood.
Children with atrial septal defects (ASD) are usually slender in build and have a heart murmur caused by the extra blood flow due to the defect. They may experience shortness of breath or heart palpitations. However, they can be normally active,... More -
SCAI answered:Symptoms of atrial septal defect may not occur until adulthood – often age 30 or older – after damage to the heart and lungs has occurred. Even with large ASDs, symptoms may be minimal or absent.
Adults with atrial septal defect may have some, all, or none of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen
- Palpitations, or irregular beats of the heart
An atrial septal defect may be discovered by your doctor incidentally during a routine check-up. If your doctor hears a heart murmur through the stethoscope or finds other signs of a heart abnormality, he or she may suspect an atrial septal defect and refer you for tests to determine if it is present.
Symptoms of atrial septal defect may not occur until adulthood – often age 30 or older – after damage to the heart and lungs has occurred. Even with large ASDs, symptoms may be minimal or absent.Adults with atrial septal defect may have... More -
Riverside Heart and Vascular Center answered:The signs and symptoms caused by an atrial septal defect (ASD) can be different for each person. Some people have no symptoms because their ASD is very small. Many people do not start having symptoms until they are teenagers or young adults. You may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- fatigue (tiredness)
- frequent colds or lung infections
- heart murmur (extra sound) when healthcare providers listen to your heartbeat
- lips and fingernails turn blue with activity
- palpitations (heartbeat that is not regular)
- shortness of breath during exercise or activities like climbing stairs
- shortness of breath when you lie down
- slow growth, and problems gaining weight (for some children with ASD)
- stroke
The signs and symptoms caused by an atrial septal defect (ASD) can be different for each person. Some people have no symptoms because their ASD is very small. Many people do not start having symptoms until they are teenagers or young adults.... More
