3 types of atrial septal defect
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- how common is atrial septal defect in babies
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- how often do atrial septal defect close
Atrial septal defect symptoms
Atrial septal defect pdf...
About Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
What it is
An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. The hole can vary in size and may close on its own or require surgery.
As a baby's heart develops during pregnancy, several openings in the wall divide the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
These openings normally close during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Atrial septal defect in adultsIf one of these openings does not close, a hole remains, and it is called an atrial septal defect (ASD).
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Keep Reading:How the Heart Works
Occurrence
About 13 of every 10,000 babies in the United States are born with an atrial septal defect.1This means that about 5,240 babies are born with an atrial septal defect each year.
Signs and symptoms
An atrial septal defect is present at birth, but many babies do not have any signs or symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of a large or untreated atrial septal defect may include:
- Frequent respiratory or lung infections
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when physically active
- Tiring when f
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- how common is atrial septal defect in adults