Atrial Septal Defect

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the septum (wall) between the upper chambers of your heart. The hole may be small or large. An ASD causes a problem with the way blood moves through your heart. This makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Over time, an ASD can damage your heart and lungs. An ASD can also lead to a stroke if a blood clot is pumped out to a blood vessel in your brain.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• You are short of breath at rest or more short of breath than usual during exercise.
• Your lips or fingers are blue or white at rest.
• Your heart is beating faster than usual or fluttering more than usual.
• You feel dizzy or faint.
• You have swelling in your legs or ankles.
• You have severe abdominal pain or your abdomen is larger than usual.

Call your cardiologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You feel depressed.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Warning signs of a stroke:

The word F.A.S.T. can help you remember and recognize warning signs of a stroke.

• F = Face: One side of the face droops.
• A = Arms: One arm starts to drop when both arms are raised.
• S = Speech: Speech is slurred or sounds different than usual.
• T = Time: A person who is having a stroke needs to be seen immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Most medicines and treatments work best the sooner they are given.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to control your heartbeat or decrease stress on your heart.
• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Diuretics help remove extra fluid from your body. You may urinate more than usual while you are taking this medicine.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. These conditions can make your symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
• Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium (salt). Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat fewer canned and processed foods. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Other heart-healthy foods include walnuts, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats. Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are also heart healthy. Ask how much salt you can eat each day.
• Ask your provider if you need to limit your activity. You may need to avoid strenuous activities to decrease symptoms. Examples include running, weightlifting, and swimming. You may also need to avoid scuba diving or hiking in high altitudes. These activities may put too much stress on your heart.
• Ask your provider about vaccines you may need. Vaccines can help prevent certain infections that can make your condition worse. Your provider can tell you if you should also get vaccines not listed below:
  • Get an influenza (flu) vaccine as directed. Get the vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the pneumonia vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.
• Talk to your provider about pregnancy if you are female. Pregnancy may increase your or your baby's risk for problems. Your provider can help you plan a safe pregnancy or recommend birth control if you want to prevent pregnancy.

Follow up with your cardiologist as directed:

You will need to return for blood tests and other tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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