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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Introduction to Septal Defects
What is a Septal Defect?
A septal defect is a congenital or acquired hole in the septum, the wall that separates the heart's chambers. There are two main types:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the atrial septum (between the upper heart chambers).
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the ventricular septum (between the lower heart chambers).
Causes and Risk Factors
Septal defects are usually congenital (present at birth) but can also develop due to trauma or complications from heart surgery. Genetic factors, maternal infections, or use of certain medications during pregnancy may increase the risk.
Symptoms
The severity of symptoms depends on the size of the defect: - Small defects: May cause no symptoms and close on their own. - Larger defects: Can lead to heart murmurs, fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent lung infections, and in severe cases, heart failure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often made using: - Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Chest X-ray - Cardiac MRI or CT scan (in complex cases)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the defect size and symptoms: - Small ASDs or VSDs may close naturally without intervention. - Larger defects may require surgical closure or catheter-based repair to prevent complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or pulmonary hypertension. - Medications (diuretics, beta-blockers) may help manage symptoms, but they do not close the defect.
Possible Complications
If untreated, a septal defect can lead to: - Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) - Heart failure - Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) - Stroke (especially in ASD due to paradoxical embolism)
Conclusion
Septal defects vary in severity and impact on health. Early detection and appropriate treatment help prevent complications and ensure a good quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Congenital Heart Defects
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000603
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/as-people-born-with-congenital-heart-defects-now-live-longer-challenges-evolve-over-time
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Management of Grown-up Congenital Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Grown-Up-Congenital-Heart-Disease-Management-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/6/563/5898606
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20801927/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/31/23/2915/2398053
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860028/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.