Septal Defects

A septal defect is an opening in the wall of tissue (septum) that divides two chambers of the heart. Sometimes this type of defect is called a hole in the heart.

There are three types of septal defects:
ASDs and PFOs are typically present at birth (congenital). VSDs can be present at birth, or they can occur as the result of a heart attack or after surgery.

Most individuals with septal defects do not require therapy to correct the defect. Occasionally, however, symptoms or other medical conditions may prompt your doctor to perform a thorough evaluation of the defect and recommend therapy.