Atrial Septal Defect |
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An atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal opening in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart — the right and left atria. This opening causes some of the blood, which should normally flow only on the left side of the heart, flow to the right.
The excess blood flows through the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs, making the heart work harder than normal. The extra blood flowing to the lungs creates a sound called a murmur. Over time, a large atrial septal defect can cause permanent damage to the heart and lungs.
At UCSF Children's Hospital, our pediatric heart specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating atrial septal defects. This condition is repaired in our Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Pediatric Heart Center (415) 353-2008
For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 25, 2007
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