Patient's question:
2-year-old with a small hole in the left heart. Love, cold. Currently no other symptoms found. The heart is otherwise good. Do I need surgery? When is the best time for surgery? Approximately how much will it cost?Doctor's answer:
Hello, atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease in children, which results in left-to-right shunt. Due to the increased blood flow in the right heart, the right atrium and right ventricle enlarge, the pulmonary circulation volume increases, and the pressure rises. In the late stage, it can lead to thickening of the muscular layer and intima of small pulmonary arteries, narrowing of the lumen, causing pulmonary hypertension. This reduces the left-to-right shunt and may even lead to right-to-left shunt, resulting in cyanosis. It is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital.