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Living with Familial atrioventricular septal defect

A heart difference present at birth involving the walls between the heart chambers and the heart valves, running in families.

Understanding Familial atrioventricular septal defect

Familial atrioventricular septal defect is a group of heart differences involving the walls between the heart chambers and the valves between them.

The differences happen because certain tissue in the developing heart does not grow and join together fully. They may involve the wall between the upper chambers, the wall between the lower chambers, and the valves between the upper and lower chambers.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.

  3. Ask 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which type of heart difference do I or my child have?
Will surgery or other treatment be needed, and when?
Should other family members have heart checks or genetic testing?

Quick facts

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD does not name a specific gene or how it is inherited.

Genetic

Also known as: atrioventricular canal defect; avc defect; avsd

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Familial atrioventricular septal defectGARD ID 802 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial atrioventricular septal defect.

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