Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Cardiologist · Cardiology / Heart disease
Yes, it is possible to have four holes in the heart. Congenital heart defects, such as ventricular and atrial septal defects (VSDs and ASD), may present with multiple openings or “holes” in the walls separating the four chambers of the heart. These types of holes occur when some portion of fetal development fails to develop properly and a hole remains persistent after birth. In most cases, these four-hole cardiac abnormalities are harmless but can lead to complications if left untreated. Symptoms associated with these types of congenital heart defects include shortness of breath, fatigue, poor growth in children, and cyanosis (blue discoloration because of low oxygen saturations). The good news is that many forms of congenital VSD/ASD can be surgically repaired or there are alternative treatments available depending on severity.
