ASD – What Is a Hole in the Heart and How Is It Treated?
Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, recently shared an important health awareness message about Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) — a condition commonly known as a "hole in the heart."
What Is ASD?
The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria. Normally, a solid wall — called the atrial septum — separates them. In a person with ASD, there is an opening (hole) in this wall.
This hole lets blood from the two chambers mix together. As a result, oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood get combined in a way that is not normal. Over time, this puts extra strain on the heart and lungs.
ASD is a congenital heart defect, meaning a person is born with it. It is one of the more common heart conditions seen in children, though it is sometimes discovered only in adulthood.
What Are the Symptoms?
Many people with a small ASD have no symptoms at all and may not know about it for years. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Fatigue — feeling tired more easily than usual
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Frequent lung infections in some children
The size and location of the hole, and how much blood is mixing, will affect whether and when symptoms appear.
How Is ASD Treated?
Not every ASD needs immediate treatment. A small hole may be monitored over time by a cardiologist, as some close on their own in early childhood.
For larger or more significant defects, treatment options include:
- Device closure — a minimally invasive procedure done through a thin tube (catheter) that is passed through a blood vessel. A small device is placed to seal the hole without open-heart surgery.
- Surgery — in more complex cases, surgical repair may be recommended.
Early diagnosis is key. When ASD is found and managed at the right time, most people go on to live healthy, active lives.
Why Awareness Matters
In Gujarat, as elsewhere, many families may not know that their child — or even an adult family member — could have a congenital heart condition. Awareness helps people recognise the signs and seek timely medical advice.
If you or your child experiences unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, or your doctor hears an unusual heart sound, it is worth speaking to a qualified cardiologist for a proper evaluation.
For any concerns about heart health in children or adults, consult a qualified cardiologist or book a consultation with a specialist near you.