Atrial Septal Defect

How are atrial septal defects diagnosed?

Atrial septal defects are diagnosed through a physical exam along with tests that check your heart’s structure and function.

Tests to diagnose atrial septal defects

Your provider will run one or more tests to diagnose you with an ASD and learn how it’s affecting your heart. These include:

Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG). An ECG shows your heart’s electrical activity. It can reveal if you have an arrhythmia or other problems related to your heart’s electrical system.
Chest X-ray. This test will show if your right atrium and right ventricle are enlarged. It’ll also show if the blood vessels in your lungs are affected.
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). This test shows how the left-to-right shunting of blood (caused by ASD) affects your heart. It can also show details related to pulmonary hypertension.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A TEE is an ultrasound taken through your esophagus. It shows the size, shape and location of an ASD. It can also check your heart valves. TEE is often used during ASD surgery and percutaneous repair.
Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). This is an ultrasound taken inside your heart. A tiny camera (echo probe) is sent to your heart through a peripheral vein. This test shows the size and shape of the ASD and the direction of the blood flow across it. It’s often used during percutaneous (nonsurgical) repair of ASD.

In some cases, Cardiac CT scan or Heart MRI may be used. They’re most helpful for people with associated defects or less common forms of ASD.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.