Atrial septal separates the left and right heart atriums. If there is a hole on the atrial septal, it is known as atrial septal defect (ASD). Atrial septal defect will cause a large amount of blood diverted from the left atrium to the right atrium, resulting in increased load for the right heart. Patients usually have no obvious symptoms. If they have symptoms, symptoms include palpitations, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, hand sweating, anxiety and nervousness. Adolescents or adults often have headache. The key of treatment is to close the atrial septal defect early in order to avoid the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension and other complications. The ideal timing is when patients are in preschool. Medical treatment aims at controlling heart failure and preventing pulmonary hypertension. Except for secondary atrial septal defect, surgery is the main treatment method.
How is Atrial septal defect (ASD) treated in practice?