An atrial septal defect is a congenital heart defect in which a hole appears in the wall (septum) between the two top-most heart chambers. This hole allows well-oxygenated blood to seep into other parts of the heart, potentially causing damage to both the heart and lungs. The smallest such defects in children may actually close by themselves over time, but adults who have lived with an undiagnosed, ongoing atrial septal defect for years may encounter problems from pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) and other challenges that can impact one’s longevity and quality of life.
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