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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgDoctors at Mayo Clinic are among the most experienced in the world in caring for patients who have atrial septal defects (ASD) and other congenital heart diseases. In the Center for Congenital Heart Defects, pediatric and adult congenital heart specialists work closely with heart surgeons to provide expert, continuing care for children and adults. Surgeons and cardiologists at Mayo Clinic Rochester perform more than 200 procedures to correct atrial septal defects each year.
Hearing a heart murmur during a physical exam is the first clue that an atrial septal defect may be present. Echocardiography is the main method used to confirm an atrial septal defect. A chest X-ray and/or an electrocardiogram (EKG) may also be performed. Read more about atrial septal defect diagnosis.
Treatment options for children and adults are similar. Patients who have a small atrial septal defect without symptoms may only require periodic monitoring. The standard method to close atrial septal defects has been open-heart surgery, which has good long-term results. A nonsurgical patch using a catheter may be an option in some cases. Read more about atrial septal defect treatment options.
Atrial septal defects (ASD) are among the most common types of congenital heart defects. In general the defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the top two chambers of the heart (atria). There are three common types of ASD's, named in relation to their position in the atrial septum. A physician will identify the type of ASD a patient has and whether associated defects are present.
While an atrial septal defect is present from birth, most children who have an atrial septal defect will not have symptoms or complications until they become adults. To avoid future heart problems, Mayo Clinic specialists recommend that atrial septal defects be repaired during childhood, if detected.
Read more about congenital heart defects at www.MayoClinic.com, a service of Mayo Foundation for Education and Research
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