Studies undertaken to determine prevalence of congenital heart defects among school children in Egypt were alarming. Prevalence of congenital heart defects diagnosed by echocardiography among school children accounted for over one case for every 1,000 kids. Most common congenital heart defects found in this survey included ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects and pulmonary stenosis. Mere presence of congenital heart defects in these children points out to poor quality of healthcare which is being provided to a growing population. Congenital heart defects in Egypt are responsible for almost 30 to 50 percent of mortality caused due to birth defects in children. Surgical repairs like atrial septal defect repair surgery are effectively able to alter prognosis of congenital heart defects if taken seriously.
What are Atrial Septal Defects?
Atrial septal defects are holes found within the wall of the upper two chambers of the heart. These are congenital heart defects which are present in a baby at the time of birth. However, many small atrial septal defects generally close on it’s own but other long-standing ones often require atrial septal defect repair surgery to rectify the condition. In absence of atrial septal defect repair surgery these holes can damage the heart and lungs of the patient. Adults with such congenital heart defects for decades who have not undergone atrial septal defect repair surgery have been noticed to have a shorter lifespan and die due to heart failure. Atrial septal defect repair surgery is therefore essential for such patients in order to prevent complications arising in future.
