sign and symptoms of atrial septal defect - #20930
I am kinda freaking out here and hope someone can help me out! I’ve had this weird sense of exhaustion for a while now and thought it was just me being busy with work and life stuff. But then I started noticing some other things – like these occasional palpitations and shortness of breath when I’m just walking up the stairs. My sister said she read about sign and symptoms of atrial septal defect and suggested I get checked. I mean, I don’t really know much about heart conditions, but could that be what’s going on with me? The thought of having something like an atrial septal defect kinda scares me, honestly! I’ve even had this strange feeling of pressure in my chest sometimes, but then it goes away quickly, so I brushed it off. I’ve seen that fatigue is one of the sign and symptoms of atrial septal defect too, but I really thought I was just tired from work! Uhh, I don’t know if I should be worried! So, what are the actual common sign and symptoms of atrial septal defect that I should look out for? I've got a check-up scheduled soon, but should I push to get an echocardiogram or something like that? Just feeling a bit lost and could use some advice!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and a sense of pressure in the chest—yes, these can be symptoms associated with an atrial septal defect (ASD), though these symptoms can also overlap with various other heart conditions or even stress and lifestyle factors. Typically, a large or long-standing ASD can cause symptoms such as fatigue due to inefficient circulation, palpitations from heart rhythm disturbances, and shortness of breath as the heart struggles with the extra blood flow between the right and left atria. That sense of chest pressure could arise if your heart is overworked. In some cases, especially if the ASD is small or for people who had it since birth, they might not experience obvious symptoms until adulthood, when the heart begins to compensate. This all being said, it’s reasonably important to get a thorough evaluation since you’re experiencing these symptoms. While having a check-up soon is a good step, you may want to discuss your symptoms in detail with your doctor during the visit, especially emphasizing the palpitations and breathing issues. Based on your symptoms, they might indeed recommend an echocardiogram, which is a key diagnostic tool to visualize the heart and detect structural abnormalities like an ASD. This non-invasive test can help determine if there’s anything unusual with the heart’s anatomy or function. Before your appointment, try keeping a symptom diary to capture when and how often these symptoms occur, what activities might provoke them, and how they resolve. This can provide your healthcare provider with a clearer picture, assisting them in determining the best course of action. If at any point you experience intensified chest pain, dizziness, or a concerning shortness of breath, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Remember, managing lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can be beneficial until you see your doctor, but don’t delay if symptoms worsen or you feel uncertain.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.