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

Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

Updated on December 10, 2024

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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 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.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 8sec

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Is atrial septal defect common?

Atrial septal defect accounts for about 20%-30% of all congenital heart diseases and is more common in females. Many cases are mild in children and are not discovered until adulthood. Atrial septal defects can be classified based on anatomical abnormalities into patent foramen ovale, primary atrial septal defect, and secondary atrial septal defect. A patent foramen ovale generally does not cause shunting between the two atria. A primary atrial septal defect is located at the lower part of the atrial septum, is semicircular in shape, and is often larger, frequently associated with malformation of the mitral or tricuspid valves resulting in regurgitation. A secondary atrial septal defect is situated in the middle of the atrial septum at the fossa ovalis or near the superior and inferior vena cava. The symptoms of an atrial septal defect vary with the size of the defect; minor cases may be asymptomatic, while severe cases can result in heart failure.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

1min 5sec

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Does a ventricular septal defect make it easier to catch a cold?

Mild atrial septal defects generally permit a normal life and do not easily cause colds. However, when pulmonary hypertension and heart failure occur with an atrial septal defect, it can lead to pulmonary congestion. At this point, bacterial colonization occurs, making respiratory infections more likely to develop. However, the colds we often refer to are upper respiratory tract infections, and atrial septal defects generally do not cause a decrease in immune system function. However, if the upper respiratory tract infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to bronchitis, lung infections, etc., often exacerbating heart failure associated with the atrial septal defect. Therefore, while an atrial septal defect does not cause colds, patients with an atrial septal defect should address colds early to prevent the onset of heart failure triggered by the cold.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

53sec

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What should I do if a ventricular septal defect causes feeding difficulties?

If the patient has a ventricular septal defect, it is still recommended that the patient seek hospital treatment. A murmur can be heard in the precordial area, and it is also advisable for the patient to undergo an echocardiogram to check if the defect is too large. If there is difficulty feeding during breastfeeding, it is personally advised not to breastfeed. Formula can be used instead, because if heart failure is not handled in a timely manner, it may sometimes worsen the symptoms. Since this is a congenital heart disease, the current treatment is primarily surgical. Medical treatment in internal medicine is not very effective and is prone to recurrence. During this period, it is also important to monitor changes in the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If there is an accelerated heart rate or increased blood pressure, these need to be addressed.

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Written by Wang Lin Zhong

Pediatrics

1min 3sec

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Causes of atrial septal defect in babies

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease, which is related to genetic factors, environmental pollution, exposure to radiation during pregnancy, and viral infections. The severity of atrial septal defect in babies varies. Babies with mild symptoms are generally not easily detected, often being discovered during physical examinations or when other diseases prompt stethoscopic evaluation, revealing heart murmurs. Babies with severe conditions may experience significant hypoxia after birth, exhibiting cyanosis, rapid breathing, cyanotic lips, weak crying, reduced feeding, with symptoms becoming more pronounced during crying. These babies have lower immunity, making them prone to recurrent respiratory infections, and in severe cases, can lead to heart failure. Therefore, it is important to provide extra care in daily life, ensure proper nutrition, enhance physical health, and opt for surgical correction as soon as conditions permit.