Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This allows blood to flow between the left and right atria, which can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs and overwork of the heart. Some ASDs cause no symptoms and may close on their own, while larger defects might cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or an increased risk of complications if untreated. Diagnosis is often made through imaging tests, and treatment options include monitoring or surgical procedures to close the hole.