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Warning-sign checks

Atrial septal defect: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest pressure, collapse, blue or gray lips, or signs of stroke such as sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, or loss of balance.

    These symptoms have several possible causes and require immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat, new fainting, or a meaningful increase in shortness of breath.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up needs differ according to the type of ASD, whether it was repaired, and whether there are ongoing effects on the heart.

    Monitoring may include clinic visits, echocardiograms, ECGs, exercise testing, or heart rhythm monitoring.

    Routine dental care is important for general heart health.

    Antibiotics like amoxicillin or doxycycline before dental procedures are not routinely required for everyone with an ASD.

    They may be advised for a limited time after repair involving prosthetic material or when a residual defect remains next to a patch or device.

    A cardiologist or dentist can give situation-specific advice.

    Arrange routine medical review if exercise tolerance gradually decreases, swelling develops, or palpitations become more frequent.

The article also says

People with a repaired ASD may still need periodic cardiology review.

Longer-term specialist care is especially important after repair of a primum or sinus venosus defect, or when there is a residual opening, valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, an abnormal rhythm, or reduced heart function.

Adults with a complex or significant ASD may benefit from an adult congenital heart disease center.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Atrial septal defect. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.