Q. How does an atrial septal defect occur in the human heart?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Normally, the atrial septum is a wall of tissue that separates the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. If this wall is not completely formed, or is perforated (meaning there is a hole in it), blood can flow back and forth between the two atria. This flow can cause problems with the way the heart works.
An atrial septal defect may be congenital (meaning you are born with it) or it may develop later in life. It may cause few or no symptoms, or it may lead to serious health problems. Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and may include medications, surgery, or a combination of both.