Word parts
What it means
A heart defect present at birth in which an opening in the septum (the wall) between the right and left atria lets blood flow from the left side to the right. Extra blood then goes to the lungs. Small holes may close on their own and cause no symptoms; larger ones can cause a heart murmur, tiring easily and, over years, heart failure. Many are closed with a device placed through a catheter or by surgery.
For the nurse
In an infant or child, listen for a murmur and watch feeding, weight gain and breathing effort. Teach families what to expect before and after closure.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ASD (also used for autism spectrum disorder; write the words out) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | comunicación interauricular |
| Also written | atrial septal defects |
Related terms
-al
A word ending that means relating to or belonging to.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.