Living with Atrial septal defect, ostium secundum type
A rare heart condition with a hole in the wall between the upper heart chambers, present from birth.
Understanding Atrial septal defect, ostium secundum type
It develops during heart formation when a natural opening called the foramen ovale is too large, the septum secundum does not grow enough, or the septum primum is absorbed too much. It is present from before birth and noticed in infancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Less ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
- Heart murmur
- Enlarged right upper heart chamber
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.
Also known as: 2 asd - secundum atrial septal defect; asd ii; asd ii - secundum atrial septal defect; asd, ostium secundum type; asd2 - secundum atrial septal defect; atrial septal defect of fossa ovalis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Atrial septal defect, ostium secundum type.
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