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What Are The Symptoms Of A Hole In The Heart? What Are The Symptoms Of A Hole In The Heart?

What Are The Symptoms Of A Hole In The Heart?

Artemis Hospital

October 24, 2024 |
What Are The Symptoms Of A Hole In The Heart? 9 Min Read | 751

A hole in the heart is medically termed a septal defect, an abnormal opening of the partition or the septum of the heart. A hole in the heart allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, disrupting the normal blood circulation. While others are detected at birth, and some may not show symptoms of congenital defects until adulthood, understanding the types of holes in the heart, recognizing symptoms, and exploring treatment options makes a huge difference in managing such a condition effectively.

Types of Hole in the Heart

There are two main types of septal defects:

1. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD):

This abnormal opening is in the center of the septum that separates the two upper chambers of the heart, referred to as the atria. Oxygen-rich blood returning to the heart from the lungs enters the left atrium of a normal heart, while oxygen-depleted blood returning to the heart from the body enters the right atrium. An atrial septal defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium, mixing it with oxygen-poor blood. This can lower the efficiency of the heart and lungs.

Prevalence: Atrial septal defects are among the most common congenital heart defects, constituting approximately 6-10% of all cases of congenital heart disease. ASD is sometimes asymptomatic and can remain undetected until later in life.

2. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):

It happens between the two lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles. Ventricles are designed to pump blood to the lungs and the general body. A hole in this wall enables oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, thus increasing blood flow to the lungs, and forcing the heart to work harder.

Prevalence: Ventricular septal defects are the most common congenital heart defect, affecting about 1 in 500 live births. VSDs account for approximately 20-30% of congenital heart disease cases.

Symptoms of a Hole in the Heart

The symptoms of a hole in the heart depend on the size of the defect, the location, and the age of the individual. Some small defects may cause no symptoms while larger defects can lead to severe complications.

Symptoms of a Hole in the Heart in Infants and Young Children: 

  • Rapid Breathing: Infants with an important septal defect may breathe quicker than normal, particularly during feeding or exercise.
  • Poor Feeding: Generally unable to feed and consumes less food because it gets easily fatigued.
  • Delayed Growth: Not gaining appropriate weight or failing to grow at a normal pace.
  • Excessive Sweating: Infants tend to sweat heavily even when they are not hot, especially during feeding.
  • Heart Murmur: Some infants show abnormal sound flow through their hearts; this can be detected with the help of a stethoscope.

Symptoms of a Hole in the Heart in Adults:

  • Shallow Breathing: This tends to be worse when the person is exercising but can occur at rest when the condition is severe.
  • Easy Fatigue: Feeling uncharacteristically tired or simply tired after exertion.
  • Palpitations: Skipping or racing heartbeats that are described as fluttering or pounding.
  • Shortness of breath: Occasional chest pain is possible in adults when an innocent septal defect remains undetected or untreated.
  • Recurring Lung Infections: Recurrent respiratory infections, including pneumonia or bronchitis, may be associated with an underlying heart defect.
  • Stroke (Uncommon): Blood clots can form and flow into the brain resulting in a stroke, especially in adults who have an ASD that has not been treated.

Diagnostic Tests for Heart Hole

Timely diagnosis is essential for effectively managing septal defects and preventing complications. A doctor relies on a confluence of physical examination coupled with diagnostic tests in the identification of holes within the heart.

Common Diagnostic Tests:

  • Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound of the heart that helps to get a proper view of the heart's structure and thus can visualize the location and size of the hole.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test can measure the electrical activity of the heart, which may indicate disturbances in heart rhythm caused by septal defects.
  • Chest X-ray: Sometimes, an enlarged heart or respiratory anomaly resulting from excess flow of blood may be discovered through a chest X-ray.
  • Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: The most recent imaging technologies may have the capability to allow for further imaging of the heart and the vessels if cases are complex.

Treatment of Holes in the Heart

The treatment depends upon the nature and size of the septal defect, severity, and general well-being of the patient. In some cases, no treatment is required at all, while other more serious defects require medical treatment.

1. Observation and Monitoring:

  • Minor Defects: Many minor atrial and ventricular septal defects often close on their own during childhood. In such cases, providers may advise follow-up visits to monitor the condition without aggressive treatment.

2. Medication:

  • Symptom Management: Medications don't seal the hole. However, medications can be used to help manage symptoms from irregular heartbeats, heart failure, or blood pressure in the lungs. Medications may include diuretics for fluid buildup, beta-blockers to control heart rate, and ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure..

3. Surgical Repair:

  • Catheter-Based Closure: Small atrial septal defects can be closed minimally invasively with a technique termed catheter-based closure. A small device is inserted through a catheter to close the hole, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.
  • Open-Heart Surgery: Large defects are normally ventricular septal defects and require a surgical procedure known as open-heart surgery. The surgeons close the hole by sewing it with a patch or stitches to restore normal blood flow.

Complications of Untreated Septal Defects

Septal defects left untreated can create serious complications:

  • Heart Failure: If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure in which the heart might not be able to pump as efficiently as it should.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension: The increased volume of blood flowing through the lungs can increase the pressure of the blood in the pulmonary arteries and this can create complications like pulmonary hypertension.
  • Arrhythmias: Another complication that can arise in adults with undiagnosed and untreated ASDs is atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythm.
  • Stroke: In a rare situation, the blood clot can pass through an undetected ASD and cause a stroke.

Conclusion

A hole in the heart is a serious condition in which the patient must get medical intervention, especially when signs prevail. Early diagnosis, besides treatment, prevents complications and further improves the quality of life in people, both children and adults. Any indication of a heart defect in you or your child, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or poor growth-should be a cause to visit a doctor. Advances in diagnostic technology and treatment allow many people with septal defects to lead normal, healthy lives.

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