The atrial septal is the wall between the upper chambers of the heart. When the wall has a hole or is defective it is known as an atrial septal defect. There are many types of atrial septal defect according to the location of a hole in the wall. Most of the time the hole disappears in early childhood without the need of any treatment. But in severe cases, when the hole is large, it may require surgical treatment to manage the complications. When there is a hole in the wall, the blood flow increases which can damage the structures of the heart and lungs. In mild cases, the symptoms are absent but in severe cases, the symptoms can vary according to the condition of each patient. The cause of atrial septal defect is not known but it may happen during the developmental phase in intrauterine life. In some cases, it can be caused by the use of some medications during pregnancy. Many risks increase the chances of atrial septal defect. If the condition is not treated on time, it can cause severe complications like heart failure and irregular rhythms of the heart which can even cause death in some cases.
Types of Atrial Septal Defect Treatment India
Some of the treatments used for atrial septal defect are as follow:
- Conservative Management
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Open-Heart Surgery
- Trans catheter Closure
Conservative Management
In some cases of ASDs in which the hole is very small, there is no need for immediate treatment. In such cases, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is important. This approach may involve lifestyle modifications and medications to manage the symptoms or to prevent any complications related to the disease.
Interventional or Surgical Treatment
In severe cases, for larger or symptomatic ASDs, medical intervention is often necessary. Here are the common treatment options:
- Cardiac Catheterization: In this minimally invasive procedure, a device is inserted through a catheter and helps to close a hole between the chambers of the heart. The device has a patch that covers the area of the hole and limits the flow of blood.
- Open-Heart Surgery: For more complex cases of ASDs, open-heart surgery may be needed. In open heart surgery, the surgeon accesses the heart directly by an incision and repairs or closes the defect or hole that is present between the upper chambers of the heart.
- Minimal Invasive procedure: This is a less invasive technique where a device is guided through a catheter into the heart which helps to close the hole in ASD.
Diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect Treatment India
The diagnostic procedures that can be used in atrial septal defects are as follows:
Clinical Examination
ย The healthcare provider conducts a physical examination in which any signs and symptoms related to atrial septal defects are identified. Sometimes, the symptoms can also be present due to some other medical condition.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. In this test, the abnormalities and the abnormal rhythm of the heart can be detected, if present.
Chest Radiography
A chest X-ray can also be done that assess the size and shape of the heart. It can provide clues such as the big size of the heart or specific patterns that may indicate an ASD.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography is also a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves. It uses ultrasound to generate images of the structure and blood flow of the heart. It can also provide information about the location, size, and nature of the disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
In some cases, a TEE test is performed which involves the insertion of a specialized instrument into the esophagus to obtain more detailed images of the heart and the ASD.
Cardiac Catheterization
This invasive procedure involves the insertion of a thin catheter through a blood vessel to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize blood flow and the defect. Cardiac catheterization provides precise measurements of the ASD and can also help to choose the type of treatment for atrial septal defect.
Cost of Atrial Septal Defect Treatment in India
The cost of atrial septal defect treatment in India ranges from 2500 USD to 3500 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of surgery performed for the closure of defects. The cost can also vary according to the complication of each patient.
- ASD Closure : 2610 USD - 3480 USD
- Device Closure-ASD : 2502 USD - 3338 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
The symptoms of atrial septal defect may involve:
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Heart Murmur
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Frequent Respiratory Infections
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Swelling of Legs or Feet
- Stroke
- Chest Pain
- Cyanosis (Bluish Skin)
- Palpitations
- Failure to Thrive (in infants)
- Arrhythmias
- Recurrent Lung Infections
- Tiring Easily
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Heart Failure
Risk Factors of Atrial Septal Defect
Some of the risks associated with the development of Atrial Septal Defects are as follows:
Family History
A positive family history of any defect that is present at birth increases the risk of atrial septal defect.
Maternal Age
The older age of the mother at the time of conception of the first child is also associated with the risk of atrial septal defect.
Maternal Alcohol or Drug Use
The use of drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of developmental disorders which also includes atrial septal defect.
Maternal Infections
According to some studies, it is said that a history of infection in pregnancy can be the major risk of atrial septal defect.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to certain environmental chemicals or toxic substances is also associated with the development of atrial septal defects.
Diabetes
Mothers who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy usually have an increased risk of congenital disorders in children, including atrial septal defects. Gestational diabetes can also cause other developmental diseases.
Use of Certain Medications
Some medications used during pregnancy, especially the drugs used for the treatment of seizures and the drugs used to treat mood disorders, can increase the risk of congenital heart defects and atrial septal defects.
03/05/2024
