Atrial septal defect history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [[2]]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [[4]]
Overview
The development of symptoms associated with atrial septal defect relates to the size and severity of intracardiac shunting of blood across the defect. A large atrial septal defect will result in the presentation of symptoms at a younger age. However, smaller, less severe defects may be asymptomatic until adulthood. Smaller defects cause less hemodynamic disruptions. As a person ages, the potential for the development of symptoms increases. Adults, especially those over the age of 40, will become symptomatic. Nearly all adults with an atrial septal defect will present with symptom onset by the age of 60.
Symptoms
Atrial septal defects can be asymptomatic for the beginning of a patient's life. Less severe defects can be undetected during examination and present subtle symptoms, if at all. Symptom onset can occur gradually as patients age and the defect becomes more influential on the heart's functioning.
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
- Fatigue, tires easily, especially with exertion/exercise
- Poor growth/failure to thrive
- Swelling of feet and ankle or abdomen (suggesting right sided heart failure)
- Heart palpitations or skipped beats (racing heart, awareness of heart beats)
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Less common symptoms include
- Weakness of different parts of body (stroke) due to paradoxical embolization[1], [2]
- Migraine
- Bluish skin color
Rapidity of Symptom Onset
Atrial septal defect patients are often asymptomatic until later in life. The majority of people with atrial septal defects may not experience any symptoms until after the age of 40. Nearly all atrial septal defect patients will manifest symptoms by the age of 60. Symptoms may become more rapid in onset as patients get progressively older.