Atrial septal defect (ASD) Treatment in Singapore

What is Atrial septal defect (ASD)?

A congenital heart defect is a structural issue in the heart that exists from birth and is known as an atrial septal defect (ASD). The septum, a hole in the wall, separates the heart's upper chambers, or atria. The hole size may vary, and surgery may be necessary, or it may heal itself.

Several holes in the wall separate the heart's upper chambers (atria) as the fetus's heart grows. Usually, these apertures seal during pregnancy or soon after delivery. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole that persists if one of these apertures does not close.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

For atrial septal defects (ASD), timely intervention is essential to avoid consequences such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. Early management reduces the chance of arrhythmias and helps restore normal blood flow, which eases the load on the heart and lungs.

Additionally, it alleviates symptoms, including exhaustion and dyspnea, enhancing the general quality of life.

Early intervention for ASD, particularly in childhood, can improve long-term health outcomes and lessen the need for later, more involved treatments.

What are the Common Symptoms of Atrial septal defect (ASD)?

An atrial septal defect (ASD) may not cause symptoms in a newborn. Adulthood may be when symptoms first appear. Symptoms of an atrial septal defect might include:

• Breathlessness, particularly during physical activity.
• Fatigue, particularly after exerting oneself.
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet.
• Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats.
• Palpitations are skipped heartbeats or sensations of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.

Types of Atrial septal defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) come in the following types:

• Secundum: The most prevalent kind of ASD is this one. It occurs between the upper heart chambers in the centre of the wall.
• Primum: This kind of ASD impacts the lower portion of the wall between the upper heart chambers. It may happen in conjunction with other congenital cardiac issues.
• Sinus venosus: This kind of ASD is uncommon. The top portion of the wall between the heart chambers is where it most frequently occurs. It often happens in conjunction with other congenital defects in the heart's structure.
• Coronary sinus: The heart's vascular system includes the coronary sinus. A portion of the wall separating the left upper chamber of the heart from the coronary sinus is absent in this uncommon form of ASD.

Atrial septal defect and pregnancy

First, consult a healthcare provider if you have an atrial septal defect and are pregnant or considering getting pregnant.

Getting the proper prenatal care is essential. Before becoming pregnant, a medical expert might advise fixing the heart hole.

A high-risk pregnancy may result from a significant atrial septal defect or its consequences.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Causes

It's unclear what causes atrial septal defects. The issue impacts the heart's structure. It occurs during pregnancy when the baby's heart is developing.

The following factors may cause congenital cardiac defects like atrial septal defects:

• Genetic alterations.
• Certain health issues.
• Certain medications.
• Smoking.
• Abuse of alcohol

Risk Factors

The following conditions can raise a baby's chance of an atrial septal defect or other birth-related cardiac issues:

• German measles, often known as rubella, in the first few months of pregnancy.
• Diabetes.
• Lupus.
• Use of tobacco or alcohol when pregnant.
• Use of cocaine when pregnant.
• Use of some medications, such as those for mood disorders and seizures, during pregnancy.

Specific congenital cardiac abnormalities run in families. They are inherited as a result.

Complications

Serious adverse effects from larger atrial septal abnormalities include right-sided cardiac failure:

• Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats
• Stroke
• Early demise
• Pulmonary hypertension is elevated blood pressure in the lungs' arteries.
• Permanent lung damage might result from pulmonary hypertension.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Singapore

• The use of minimally invasive procedures has improved the treatment of atrial septal defect (ASD) in Singapore. For qualified candidates, transcatheter device closure, which utilises tools such as the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, is the preferred technique because it offers advantages including avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass, minimising scarring, reducing pain, and requiring fewer hospital stays.
• Surgical closure remains an option for individuals with larger or more complex flaws; treatments are performed through small incisions between the ribs, which reduce recovery times and enhance aesthetic results. Furthermore, improvements in imaging technology, such as cardiac MRI and 3D echocardiography, have increased the accuracy of defect assessment and facilitated individualised treatment planning.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Prevention Tips

Prevention may not be feasible due to the unclear origin of atrial septal defect (ASD). However, receiving quality prenatal care is essential. Before getting pregnant, schedule a health examination if you were born with an ASD.

During this visit:

• Discuss current medical problems and medications
• Examine the medical history of your family.
• Inquire about getting tested for rubella (German measles).