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

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on May 08, 2025
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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 Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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 Wang Lin Zhong
Pediatrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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Do infant atrial septal defects heal by themselves?

Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease, accounting for about 1/1500 of newborns, and is most commonly found in infants and children. The impact of atrial septal defects on hemodynamics mainly depends on the amount of shunting. Some studies confirm that atrial septal defects smaller than six millimeters can close on their own without external intervention. Therefore, when an atrial septal defect is discovered, it is necessary to regularly recheck the cardiac echocardiography to determine the size of the defect. If the atrial septal defect decreases in size as the patient ages, there is a possibility of self-healing. If the area of the patient's atrial septal defect does not change or gradually increases, regular echocardiography rechecks are needed, and cardiac catheterization may be performed if necessary.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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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 Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Postoperative precautions for atrial septal defect surgery

Ventricular septal defect surgery is often divided into surgical operations and interventional treatments by the Department of Internal Medicine. For interventional treatments, it is important to rest in bed for 24 hours afterwards. Also, the site of the puncture needs to be immobilized for at least eight hours, so it is important to regularly check the heart with an echocardiogram after the surgery. After surgical operations, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with easily digestible foods. Within a month after surgery, try to avoid strenuous activities, and regularly check the heart with an echocardiogram under the guidance of a doctor.