However, many people with ASA have everyday lives, mainly if the aneurysm is small.
This article discusses atrial septal aneurysms.
It explains how an ASA is linked to a stroke and other health issues.
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It also describes how atrial septal aneurysms are diagnosed and treated.
What Are the Symptoms of an Atrial Septal Aneurysm?
An atrial septal aneurysm does not typically cause any symptoms.
It is often only detected during routine echocardiography or evaluation of ischemic stroke.
An echocardiogram often shows evidence ofparoxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias(abnormal heart rhythms) in people with ASA.
What Causes an Atrial Septal Aneurysm?
An atrial septal aneurysm is a key in of heart defect present at birth.
In utero, we all have a hole along the atrial septum dividing the left and right atria.
The hole is known as patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Most of the time, the PFO closes after delivery upon spontaneous air breathing.
However, in about a quarter of the population, the PFO doesn’t close.
Most of the time, PFO does not cause any further problems.
Sometimes, though, arterial pressure can cause a bulge to form in the atrial septum near the PFO.
This is known as an atrial septal aneurysm.
How Is an Atrial Septal Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Imaging is vital to an ASA diagnosis.
An ASA appears as an extensive and bulging membrane that moves between the two atria.
It also may be done if someone has a stroke and doctors are trying to find out why.
A person’s overall health and family history also are needed for a complete diagnosis.
That’s especially true if there is a personal history of strokes, TIAs, or other cardiovascular issues.
How Is an Atrial Septal Aneurysm Treated?
The vast majority of ASAs which are identified on echocardiography incidentally are benign, and no treatment is warranted.
Medication is another treatment approach.
Summary
Most ASAs are incidentally found on an echocardiogram performed for other reasons.
Thus, most patients with ASA have no symptoms, and the ASA is benign.
Small atrial level shunts are associated with ASA; in rare cases, these can be related to stroke.
People may not even know that they have an ASA for a long time or possibly ever.
But it increases the chance of a stroke, so knowing the signs and symptoms is essential.
If you have concerns about a congenital heart problem and its risks, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of a stroke.
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American Stroke Association.About Stroke.
