What is the treatment for a 7mm ASD in a 3-year-old child?

Hello,

A 7 mm ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) means there is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart. The next step should be evaluation by a Pediatric Cardiologist. The size of the hole alone does not determine whether treatment or closure is needed; the doctor also checks the type of ASD, blood flow through it, heart chamber size, pulmonary pressure, and whether the child has any symptoms. 

What Tests Are Usually Needed?

The main test is a detailed 2D Echocardiogram with Doppler. The Pediatric Cardiologist may assess

• Exact type and size of ASD

• Blood flow through the hole

• Size of the right side of the heart

• Pulmonary artery pressure

• Heart function

• Any associated heart problem

An ECG may also be advised depending on the child's condition. 

Does a 7 mm ASD Need Surgery?

Not necessarily. Some smaller ASDs can close naturally during childhood, while others may remain open and only require regular monitoring. If the ASD is causing significant extra blood flow to the right side of the heart or other problems, closure may be recommended.

If closure is required, the options include:

• Catheter-based device closure for suitable secundum ASDs

• Open-heart surgical closure when device closure is not suitable or for certain types of ASD

The Pediatric Cardiologist will decide which option is safest based on the child's echocardiogram and overall condition. 

What Should You Do Now?

Please arrange a consultation with a Pediatric Cardiologist and take the child's complete echocardiography report. Do not decide on surgery based only on the 7 mm measurement.

Until the cardiologist evaluates her, follow the doctor's advice regarding physical activity and medicines. Do not start any heart medicine without prescription.

Seek prompt medical attention if she develops significant breathing difficulty, bluish lips, fainting, severe weakness, swelling, or difficulty feeding/gaining weight.

How Can HexaHealth Help You?

We can help you connect with experienced Pediatric Cardiologists and suitable partner hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. We can also assist with echocardiography, consultation, appointment scheduling and treatment coordination.

We help patients connect with experienced doctors at suitable partner hospitals.

Please share the child's city and state and the complete Echo report, especially the ASD type, pulmonary pressure and whether the report mentions enlargement of the right atrium/right ventricle. Based on these details, we can help identify a suitable Pediatric Cardiologist and partner hospital.