Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole in the septum, the wall, between the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. Commonly called an ASD. ASDs constitute a major class of heart formation abnormalities present at birth (congenital cardiac malformations). Normally, when clots in veins break off, they travel first to the right side of the heart and, then to the lungs where they lodge as an obstruction (embolus). The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots from entering the arterial circulation. However, when there is an ASD, a clot can cross from the right to the left side of the heart, then pass into the arteries as a paradoxical embolism. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block a vessel there, and cause a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Because of the risk of stroke from paradoxical embolism, it is usually recommended that even small ASDs be closed (repaired).
Atrial septal defect (ASD) — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of this common heart defect.
Learn about ASD and ongoing care ... What is it? A "hole" in the wall that separates the top two chambers of the heart.
Atrial septal defect (ASD) - also known as a "hole in the heart" - is a type of congenital heart disease. Fortunately, most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect in which the wall that separates the upper heart chambers (atria) does not close completely.
Definition An atrial septal defect ( ASD ) is an abnormal opening in the muscular wall separating the left and right upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Description ...