Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) are congenital heart conditions where an opening in the wall between the heart's upper chambers causes blood to flow abnormally, often leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. While some individuals remain asymptomatic for years, untreated Atrial Septal Defects can progress to pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmias as the heart struggles with increased workload. What are the most common symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects? Many patients with Atrial Septal Defects do not experience symptoms during childhood, as the defect may be small.
1 people with Atrial Septal Defects have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Which are the worst symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects?
Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects reported by real patients, from the most common to the most limiting, plus a medically reviewed summary with sources.
Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) are congenital heart conditions where an opening in the wall between the heart's upper chambers causes blood to flow abnormally, often leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. While some individuals remain asymptomatic for years, untreated Atrial Septal Defects can progress to pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmias as the heart struggles with increased workload.
What are the most common symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects?
Many patients with Atrial Septal Defects do not experience symptoms during childhood, as the defect may be small. However, as the heart works harder to pump blood, common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue, especially during physical exertion.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) during activity or, in advanced stages, while resting.
- Frequent respiratory infections or pneumonia.
- Heart palpitations or a sensation of a "racing" heart (atrial arrhythmias).
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen, which may indicate heart failure.
How does symptom severity vary in Atrial Septal Defects?
The severity of Atrial Septal Defects is largely dependent on the size of the hole and the volume of blood shunting from the left to the right atrium. Small Atrial Septal Defects may never cause noticeable symptoms and might close spontaneously in infants. Conversely, larger defects lead to significant volume overload of the right side of the heart, which can cause symptoms to manifest in early adulthood, typically between the ages of 30 and 50.
When should I seek immediate medical attention for Atrial Septal Defects?
Families and patients managing Atrial Septal Defects should seek urgent care if they notice signs of cardiac decompensation. Warning signs include sudden, severe chest pain, fainting (syncope), significant difficulty breathing that disrupts sleep, or a rapid, irregular heartbeat that does not resolve. These symptoms may indicate that the Atrial Septal Defects are causing secondary complications like pulmonary hypertension or heart rhythm disorders.
How do symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects progress over time?
Without intervention, Atrial Septal Defects can lead to permanent changes in the heart's structure and the lungs' blood vessels. Over decades, the chronic pressure overload can result in atrial fibrillation or right-sided heart failure. Monitoring by a cardiologist is essential to track these changes, as early repair of Atrial Septal Defects significantly improves long-term quality of life and cardiac function.
Next steps
- Consult a pediatric or adult congenital cardiologist for regular echocardiograms.
- Join the DiseaseMaps.org community to connect with 47 other members sharing their experiences with Atrial Septal Defects.
- Maintain a symptom log to share with your healthcare provider during routine check-ups.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Atrial Septal Defect.
- Orphanet: Congenital atrial septal defect.
- American Heart Association (AHA): Congenital Heart Defects.
- PubMed Central: Clinical management of adult congenital heart disease.
It was an exercise and, after doing so, within 20 minutes, I was starting a tachycardia incredible; it will not stop anything. Then, my heart is calmed and quickened. Thing that, particularly, I got tired of the excess.
Another thing was that I was dizzy a lot; when I get up from somewhere where it was with the view on high, I was dizzy; the view is me misty, but I never fainted. I hope I never get that far.
Posted Sep 4, 2017 by Gilberto A. 800
