What are the symptoms of atrial septal defect in adults?

What are the symptoms of atrial septal defect in adults?

If an ASD is discovered in adulthood, the symptoms may be different. They may include: Skipped heartbeats, palpitations or other abnormal heart sounds. Shortness of breath, especially during exercise.

What happens when you have atrial septal defect?

If one of these openings does not close, a hole is left, and it is called an atrial septal defect. The hole increases the amount of blood that flows through the lungs and over time, it may cause damage to the blood vessels in the lungs.

What problems would a septal defect cause?

Over time, if not repaired, this defect can increase the risk for other complications, including heart failure, high blood pressure in the lungs (called pulmonary hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (called arrhythmia), or stroke.

What are the symptoms of atrial and ventricular septal defects?

In older children and adults, symptoms can include:

• Fatigue.
• Heart palpitations.
• Inability to exercise.
• Shortness of breath.
• Stroke.

What are the symptoms of having a hole in your heart?

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising.
• Fatigue.
• Swelling of legs, feet or belly (abdomen)
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Sensation of a rapid, pounding heartbeat (palpitations) or skipped beats.
• Whooshing sound that can be heard through a stethoscope (heart murmur)

What is the most common cause of atrial septal defect?

Most congenital heart defects are likely caused by a combination of genetics and factors involving the mother while she is pregnant, such as use of alcohol and street drugs, as well as diseases such as diabetes, lupus and rubella. About 10 percent of congenital heart problems are caused by specific genetic defects.

Does atrial septal defect cause chest pain?

Severe cases of atrial septal defects may lead to life-threatening complications such as chest pain, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), abnormal enlargement of the heart, a “fluttering” of the heart (atrial fibrillation), and/or heart failure.

What does a hole in your heart feel like?

Larger defects or holes may cause symptoms such as a poor appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath or lung infections. When the ASD is larger, a heart murmur may be detected and treatment may be recommended to alleviate the risk of permanent damage to the heart chambers from needing to work harder.

Can I exercise with an atrial septal defect?

exercise are considered safe and desirable for patients with atrial septal defects, including surgically or catheter repaired, or small unrepaired defects. This includes walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and elliptical training.