Causes of atrial septal defect in babies

Written by Wang Lin Zhong
Pediatrics
Updated on May 25, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
38sec home-news-image

Can someone with an atrial septal defect go swimming?

Atrial septal defect is not uncommon in our daily lives. Many patients with atrial septal defects often ask their doctor if they can swim. This has to be analyzed based on specific circumstances. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, and it's just a minor atrial septal defect, generally it does not affect the patient's daily activities, such as swimming or running. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe, especially if it has led to heart failure and heart enlargement, in this situation, one should definitely not engage in strenuous activities such as swimming or running.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
59sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of an atrial septal defect?

Atrial septal defect is the most common congenital heart disease in adults, accounting for 20%-30% of adult congenital heart diseases, with a higher incidence in females than males, with a male to female ratio of about 1:1.5-3. There is also a familial tendency. Apart from larger defects, children with atrial septal defects generally show no symptoms. As they age, symptoms gradually appear, with exertional dyspnea being the main symptom, followed by supraventricular arrhythmias, especially atrial flutter and fibrillation, which exacerbate the symptoms. Some patients may develop right heart failure due to excessive right ventricular volume load. In the late stages, about 15% of patients develop severe pulmonary hypertension, resulting in a right-to-left shunt and cyanosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
1min 3sec home-news-image

How severe is an atrial septal defect considered to be?

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a relatively common congenital heart disease in clinical practice. From a medical perspective, the severity of ASD depends on whether the patient is an adult or a child. For adults with ASD, generally speaking, defects larger than 20 millimeters are considered large atrial septal defects, which are more severe. If the defect size is between 10 and 20 millimeters, it is often classified as a moderate atrial septal defect. Defects smaller than 4 millimeters are considered small atrial septal defects. Generally, small and moderate atrial septal defects are not severe. For children, an atrial septal defect larger than 10 millimeters is considered a large atrial septal defect, which is more severe. Sizes between 5 and 10 millimeters are classified as moderate atrial septal defects. Defects smaller than 5 millimeters are considered small atrial septal defects, which generally are not severe.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
1min home-news-image

Is a ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension mild or severe?

The most common complication of atrial septal defect is pulmonary hypertension, which can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, mild pulmonary hypertension is not a major issue and is not considered very serious. However, moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension often accompanies repeated coughing, shortness of breath after exercise, or difficulty breathing. This situation is relatively serious and it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. If the condition reaches a severe stage, pulmonary hypertension could continuously increase. Furthermore, in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, closing the atrial septum can lead to severe breathing difficulties and increased shortness of breath. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor patients with pulmonary hypertension.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
47sec home-news-image

What does atrial septal defect mean?

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common type of congenital heart disease encountered clinically. In simple terms, the human heart has four chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. Between the left and right atria, there is a structure called the atrial septum, which separates the two atria. If there is a hole in this septum, this condition is referred to as an atrial septal defect. Atrial septal defects are common congenital heart conditions, and when the defect is severe, it often accompanies heart failure and other complications. Under such circumstances, it is crucial to visit a cardiologist for a formal assessment to determine the necessity and approach to treatment.