In cardiology, ASD stands for Atrial Septal Defect, a congenital heart defect. This means it's a heart condition someone is born with.
Understanding Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
An atrial septal defect is characterized by a hole in the septum, which is the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria). Because of this hole, blood can flow abnormally between the atria.
How ASD Affects the Heart
Normally, the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle, which then pumps it to the lungs to receive oxygen. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle, which then pumps it throughout the body.
With an ASD, some oxygenated blood from the left atrium flows through the hole into the right atrium, mixing with the deoxygenated blood. This increases the total amount of blood that the right side of the heart has to pump to the lungs.
Implications of ASD
The increased blood flow to the lungs can, over time, lead to:
- Enlargement of the right side of the heart: The right atrium and ventricle have to work harder to pump the extra blood.
- Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
- Heart failure: If the ASD is large and left untreated for many years, the heart may eventually become weakened and unable to pump blood effectively.
- Increased risk of stroke: In rare cases, blood clots can pass through the hole from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs and potentially traveling to the brain, causing a stroke.
Treatment
Many small ASDs close on their own. However, if the ASD is large or causing symptoms, it typically requires intervention. Treatment options include:
- Catheter-based closure: A device is inserted through a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to close the hole.
- Surgical repair: Open-heart surgery may be necessary to close the hole with stitches or a patch.
