No. Small defects are often monitored without intervention. The decision depends on size, symptoms, and effect on heart function.
Congenital Heart Disease: ASD, VSD & PDA
Conditions
Congenital Heart Disease: ASD, VSD & PDA
Hearing that you or your child has a "hole in the heart" can be alarming, especially before you know how serious it is. Congenital heart conditions are structural differences in the heart present from birth. ASD (atrial septal defect), VSD (ventricular septal defect), and PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) are among the most common. Each involves an opening or connection in the heart that shouldn't be there after early development. Many are mild and simply monitored. Others need treatment.
Understanding ASD, VSD & PDA
- ASD: a hole between the heart's upper chambers
- VSD: a hole between the heart's lower chambers
- PDA: a blood vessel connection that normally closes after birth but remains open
How It's Found
These conditions are often detected via a heart murmur on examination, or through an echocardiogram, sometimes in childhood, sometimes not until later in life if the defect is small. Dr. Kulin Sheth sees adults with congenital heart disease (ASD, VSD, PDA), including adults in whom these conditions weren't detected until later in life.
Diagnosis
2D Echo is the primary tool for confirming and assessing the size and impact of these conditions.
Device Closure Treatment
When treatment is needed, many ASD, VSD, and PDA cases can be closed using a catheter-based device, which avoids open-heart surgery. Dr. Kulin Sheth performs this at Apollo CVHF Hospital, Bodakdev. Not every case requires closure. Some are simply monitored when the defect is small and not straining the heart.
Frequently asked questions
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Does every ASD/VSD/PDA need treatment?
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Is device closure major surgery?No. It's a catheter-based procedure performed through a blood vessel, without opening the chest, where the defect is suitable for this approach.
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Can these conditions be diagnosed in adults?Yes. Some congenital heart conditions aren't found until adulthood, especially if they're mild.
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Book a Consultation
Reach Dr. Kulin Sheth's team directly by phone or WhatsApp, or visit us at Sheth Heart Clinic, Bopal.