An Atrial Septal Defect is a congenital birth defect, meaning it is present at birth. It is a hole, or flap-like opening, between the top two chambers of the heart and can vary in size and severity. In some individuals, this may cause no issues. For others, this opening can allow blood to flow back and forth between the top two chambers and can cause other health problems if untreated.

What to watch for

Untreated Atrial Septal Defects can make way for other health conditions to develop, such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, hypoxia, stroke, or atrial fibrillation. If you have an Atrial Septal Defect, you should monitor for swelling, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Causes

Causes are not always known, but research suggests that atrial septal defects form when we are in the womb.

Diagnosis (Tests)

Atrial Septal Defect can be diagnosed by several different tests.

• TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiogram) with a bubble study: An IV is placed and an ultrasound probe is placed on the outside of your body, on your chest. Saline is then pushed through the IV to cause small bubbles that can be visualized within your heart on the echocardiographic imaging. If an Atrial Septal Defect exists within the heart, bubbles will appear on the left side of your heart.
• TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) with a bubble study: Your throat is numbed with both a spray and a gargle. An IV is placed and sedation medication is given through the IV to make you sleepy while an ultrasound probe is guided down your esophagus (swallowing tube). Saline is then pushed through the IV to cause small bubbles that can be visualized within your heart on the echocardiographic imaging. If an Atrial Septal Defect exists within the heart, bubbles will appear on the left side of your heart.
• Cardiac CT scan: A scan using x-ray images to visualize heart structure and blood flow.
• Cardiac MRI: A scan using magnets and radio waves to visualize heart structure and blood flow.
• Right Heart Catheterization: a minimally invasive test done in the heart catheterization lab to assess the pressures in the heart.