Atrial Septal Defect Can Worsen Over Time

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) can indeed enlarge as a person ages. This congenital heart condition is present from birth and can cause left-to-right shunting of blood within the heart. The severity of the shunt largely depends on the size of the defect. Hemodynamically significant defects, particularly those larger than 1 cm, can impact heart function and blood flow, which is why medical intervention is often recommended.

When Is Treatment Necessary?

For defects that are hemodynamically significant, surgical or interventional treatment is typically advised. The type of procedure depends on the location and size of the defect. Central-type ASDs are often treated with minimally invasive catheter-based interventions, while more complex types such as inferior or superior vena cava defects usually require open-heart surgery.

Progression of the Condition

In most cases, the progression of ASD is gradual. However, in patients with larger defects, symptoms can develop more quickly, leading to earlier recommendations for surgical correction. Without treatment, complications such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure may arise over time.

Benefits of Surgical Intervention

Following successful treatment, most patients experience a significant improvement in symptoms. The frequency of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and colds typically decreases, and children are generally able to grow and develop normally without further cardiac complications.

Conclusion

Atrial Septal Defects can increase in size with age, especially if they are hemodynamically significant. Early diagnosis and timely intervention—either through catheter-based procedures or traditional surgery—are key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a healthy quality of life.