What is the prognosis for atrial septal defect?

Several patients tolerate large unrepaired defects for 80 years or even longer without serious disability. However, it is assumed that, as a rule, atrial septal defect reduces life expectancy, the average age at death not exceeding 50 years.

How does atrial septal defect affect child development?

As kids with ASDs get older, they also might be at an increased risk for stroke because a blood clot could form, pass through the hole in the septum, and travel to the brain. Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) also may develop over time in older patients with larger untreated ASDs.

How common is ASD in babies?

It’s the most common form of ASD. About 8 out of every 10 babies born with ASDs have secundum defects. At least half of all secundum ASDs close on their own. However, this is less likely if the defect is large.

Is atrial septal defect curable?

Many atrial septal defects close on their own during childhood. For those that don’t close, some small atrial septal defects might not require treatment. But many persistent atrial septal defects eventually require surgery.

How serious is a hole in a baby’s heart?

Ventricular Septal Defects. The heart has two lower pumping chambers that are called ventricles. Holes in the wall between the ventricles are called ventricular septal defects (VSDs). As with atrial septal defects, there are several types of VSDs and their treatment may be based on their location.

What happens if a baby has a hole in its heart?

These usually close during pregnancy or shortly after birth. 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.

Is atrial septal defect a disability?

Under guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA), Symptomatic Congenital Heart Disease may qualify a person to receive Social Security Disability benefits.