Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms of an ASD, and with babies and small children, it can be hard to recognize symptoms. Some symptoms that people may have include:
- Difficulty breathing, especially when exercising or being active
- Frequent respiratory or lung infections
- Fatigue (in babies, this may be seen especially during feeding)
- Swelling of legs, feet or belly area
- Irregular heartbeats (arrythmias)
- Rapid heartbeats (palpitations) or a feeling of skipped heartbeats
- A heart murmura whooshing sound that can be heard through a stethoscope
Treating an ASD
It is important to treat an ASD as early as possible to prevent heart failure, stroke, lung problems, valve problems, and arrhythmias. Treatment will depend on how large the ASD is, how severe symptoms are and a persons age. Types of treatment are:
- Cardiac catheterization (cath) may be done where a device called a septal occluder that has a metal or metal-free* frame is inserted to close the hole.
- Surgery is needed in some cases.
- Medication may be used to reduce symptoms, treat issues with the lungs, and help prevent arrhythmias, heart failure and stroke. There are no medications that can close the hole.
- Monitoring is needed for ASDs requiring surgery or cath.