Hole in the Heart

A term that often conjures up some very obscure images, a hole in the heart is not as uncommon as most people think. The correct terminology for this condition is called a septal defect because in patients with a ‘hole in the heart’, the septum (which is the tissue that divides the heart into chambers) develops with a valve-like gap. In the developing foetus this gap exists in order to maintain the circulation of the baby and usually closes after birth but in some this does not occur and the gap remains open.

Causes Of A Hole In The Heart

Although there is no known exact cause for the problem occurring it is thought there is a connection between the expectant mother having had German measles or if the pregnant person has developed a condition called toxoplasmosis after having contact with infected cat excrement.

In many cases however, no cause is ever found and it is simply something that occurs as the baby grows hence why it is known as a congenital condition.

Symptoms

For many people the condition is so quiet that there are no obvious symptoms and it is not detected until the person has had a scan or investigation for another condition in later life. Others may find that they are becoming more and more out of breath and have no obvious explanation such as smoking, weight gain or other reason.

In some babies the condition may be detected shortly after birth following routine examinations but this is often not the case. A stethoscope that is placed on the chest can sometimes allow the doctor to hear an abnormal flow of blood through the heart muscle which may alert them to a potential problem. Following this an echocardiogram can explain this occurrence and help decide a definite diagnosis.

Treatments For A Hole In The Heart

The range of treatments depends entirely upon how the individual is managing the problem. As many people are unaware they have the condition it is not always necessary to treat it and the treatment may cause more damage or offer more risk than simply leaving it alone.

In small babies and youngsters the hole often closes as the person matures whilst others will find they are suffering more with their breathing as they age and will discuss with specialist which course of treatment will work for them.Sometimes the treatment will involve the use of a catheter (narrow but long tube) being fed into your circulatory system via an incision in your leg or groin. This catheter is guided to the defect following which a small device like an umbrella is inserted and opened which is placed over the defect. This is often the best form of treatment but may not be effective for everyone.

Surgery is frequently an option and involves a major operation in which a graft is placed over the defect and effectively closes the gap.

If major surgery is the only option it is important that the patient is in otherwise good health to ensure an effective and speedy recovery.

A hole in the heart may be a potential problem in the future and depends on the location and severity of the defect but for many it causes no major problems and will not need treating.