Atrial septal defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defect is a *congenital structural abnormality* of the heart in which there is a persistent opening in the atrial septum, allowing abnormal blood flow between the right and left atria. This defect increases the amount of blood circulating through the lungs, and if large or left untreated, can lead to complications such as right-sided heart enlargement, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. ASD is diagnosed clinically and by imaging, and is treated by observation for small, asymptomatic holes or surgery/catheter closure for larger defects to prevent long-term complications[1][4][7][9][10].

Other names

ASDhole in the heart (colloquial)atrial septum defect