An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common heart condition characterized by a hole in the wall that divides the heart’s two upper chambers, known as the atria. This hole, typically located in the septum, allows oxygen-rich blood from the heart to flow into oxygen-poor chambers of the lungs.
Understanding Atrial Septal Defects
An atrial septal defect (ASD) refers to a congenital heart condition where a small hole remains in the wall separating the heart’s upper chambers, known as the atria. Normally, this hole aids in directing blood flow while the fetus is in the womb, but it is expected to close naturally after birth, within a few weeks or months. However, in some cases, the opening fails to close entirely, resulting in the presence of an atrial septal defect.
Impact of the Defect on the Body
Understanding how an atrial septal defect affects the body requires knowledge of the heart’s normal functioning. Typically, the left side of the heart is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body, while the right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
However, in the case of a child with an atrial septal defect, an abnormal opening exists between the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This defect allows blood from the left side to flow into the right side and subsequently into the lungs. As a result, both the heart and the lungs are subjected to increased strain and must work harder to compensate.
This increased workload can lead to progressive damage to the lung arteries over time. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with a small atrial septal defect experience complications, and many adults live with this condition without any major issues.