Can a ventricular septal defect have a vaginal delivery?

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in adults. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with this condition, they often ask their doctor one question: "Can I give birth naturally?" This question requires a case-by-case analysis. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, does not cause changes in the heart structure, or lead to heart failure, then natural childbirth is definitely possible. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe and causes changes in heart structure, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, then natural childbirth is generally not advisable. It is best to opt for a cesarean section under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the burden on the pregnant woman and reduce the occurrence of serious incidents.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

42sec

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Can atrial septal defect of the patent foramen ovale type heal itself?

This disease is a congenital heart disease, and it is recommended that the patient undergo a cardiac echocardiography. If symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness occur, and distinct murmurs can be heard in the precordial area, surgical treatment is sometimes advised. After all, an atrial septal defect can lead to certain conditions, especially in children who are prone to pediatric pneumonia or bronchitis, which can affect their growth and development. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach. If the issue is not very serious, the defect might heal on its own as the child grows, but this possibility is relatively small. In most cases, surgery is recommended.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

44sec

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What should be paid attention to daily with an atrial septal defect?

If the patient has an atrial septal defect, it is advised that the patient should adhere to a light diet and regularly visit the hospital for electrocardiogram and echocardiography checks. If the defect is relatively large, I personally recommend surgical treatment for the patient, as it can effectively alleviate the current condition. After all, while drug treatment has some effect, there is a risk of recurrence. Surgery can permanently treat atrial septal defects and improve the patient’s symptoms. If the patient experiences difficulty breathing, this needs to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to keep warm, avoid catching cold, and monitor changes in the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

50sec

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Atrial septal defect should be consulted with the Department of Cardiology.

Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease in childhood, and it is also the most common congenital heart disease in adulthood. The incidence rate of atrial septal defects is about 1/1500 live births, accounting for 5%-10% of all congenital heart diseases, and it is more common in females. Most children with atrial septal defect, in addition to being prone to respiratory infections such as colds, may have no obvious symptoms and their activities are not limited. It is generally not until adolescence that symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue appear. Patients with atrial septal defects should seek treatment in departments such as cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, thoracic surgery, or pediatric cardiology.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 38sec

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Can someone with an atrial septal defect get pregnant?

Whether patients with atrial septal defects can become pregnant depends on the following factors: 1. Whether the patient normally has symptoms. 2. Whether the echocardiography indicates heart enlargement or pulmonary hypertension. 3. The size of the atrial septal defect. 4. Whether there is a combination of arrhythmias such as atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, and complications such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. For those without symptoms, and where the defect does not cause pulmonary hypertension or right heart enlargement, choosing to become pregnant is possible. Complications are not common in pregnant women with isolated atrial septal defects without pulmonary hypertension. Studies have shown that the incidence of complications in pregnant women, whether the defect is repaired or not, is relatively low. If the patient has related arrhythmias and complications, it should be closely monitored, because the cardiovascular system of the mother undergoes changes during pregnancy, leading to increased cardiac workload and a higher burden on the heart, which in turn can increase the incidence of arrhythmias. For women who are already at high risk of atrial flutter or fibrillation, this risk can increase further. Additionally, pregnant women are in an older physiological state, making it easier to form blood clots, and for those with atrial septal defects, the risk of paradoxical thrombosis increases.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong

Cardiothoracic Surgery

1min 12sec

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The difference between ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect

The difference between a ventricular septal defect and an atrial septal defect mainly lies in their locations. A normal heart is divided into four chambers, which are the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, and right atrium. Each chamber is separated by a septum, much like walls between rooms in a house. Due to certain reasons, such as congenital heart defects, there may be openings or defects in these walls, known as septal defects. An atrial septal defect refers to a defect between the right atrium and the left atrium, whereas a ventricular septal defect pertains to a defect between the left and right ventricles. The murmur of atrial septal defects is relatively softer, as the pressure difference between the atria is smaller, and the defect is located higher up. In contrast, the murmur of ventricular septal defects is louder due to the greater pressure difference between the ventricles and is located lower down, approximately between the third and fourth ribs. The murmur of atrial septal defects is found between the second and third ribs. Moreover, since the pressure difference in ventricular septal defects is greater, the impact on the heart is relatively more significant.