Atrial Septal Defect
What are the long term effects of an ASD ?
Small ASD’s do not usually cause long term problems and they do not require treatment. If an ASD is large and is not closed it causes irregular heart beats, heart failure and lung damage. Symptoms include, palpitations, shortness of breath and even strokes.
How can a large ASD be closed ?
Some ASD’s can be closed by using a catheter inserted through the groin. A collapsed closure device is passed into the hole and when deployed, it opens like a balloon to close the defect. If the ASD is very large, or is in a complex position in the heart, then surgical closure using open heart surgery is required. Contact our London heart clinic experts for a consultation.