atrial septal defect, ASD

Atrial septal defect, or ASD, refers to a congenital hole between the two priming chambers of the heart, the atria. It is usually silent for the first few years of life, and is detected around age four by a new diastolic (filling phase) murmur. It requires repair because as the child gets older the atria will progressively dilate (enlarge) and eventually cause problems with the conducting system of the heart.

Night, Night! Dr. Hull's Common Sense Sleep Solutions© Site Information/Disclaimer