by Kristie Janeway Jernigan BS MHA

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 05, 2009

ASD or Atrial Septal Defect is a congenital heart condition that is also known as "a hole in the heart". Technically, it is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart which allows blood to flow freely from the left and right side. It can also cause an enlargement to occur in one side of the heart. Many times this condition is found in the babies it occurs in after birth. However, it is also being discovered in many more adult cases.

As someone who suffered with an ASD for 33 years I know what having this condition is like. I was born in 1970 and a heart condition was discovered when I was a baby. However, the diagnosis was far from being correct. The first diagnosis that I received was a heart murmur. I suffered with exhaustion, and an intolerance of exercise as a child. After continuing to have problems throughout the years, I decided to see a cardiologist to see if it was safe to start a family. My husband and I were given the green light after I received a new diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse. I became pregnant within the year and had a beautiful, healthy, baby boy. However, my condition had become very severe. I then suffered with cyanosis (blue lips, fingers and/or toes), exhaustion, Migraine Headaches, difficulty breathing, severe sweating, flushed appearance, heart palpitations and an intolerance of exercise. I lived with these symptoms until my son reached the age of three. The breaking point came when I saw myself in the mirror and my color was a beautiful shade of blue. I immediately went to my family practitioner who sent me directly to a Cardiologist. It took this particular Cardiologist about 10 minutes to find the hole. The hole was the size of a quarter. I was in the hospital for surgery within the week. I received a catheter procedure which attached an Amplatzer Implant to the hole. This procedure saved me from having to have open heart surgery. Incredibly enough this was the same cardiology practice that had diagnosed me with Mitral Valve Prolapse a few years before. However, the Cardiologist that performed the catheter procedure determined that I never had Mitral Valve Prolapse or a Heart Murmur.

Anyone who suffers any of the symptoms listed above should immediately see their personal physician. I am no MD but I believe that this diagnosis may have been missed in many people and is now being caught as they have started having problems in adulthood.

Going without treatment for this condition can cause individuals to have numerous other medical conditions. Organ failure and even death can occur if the condition goes untreated. Many of the medical conditions that I have had can be traced back to this untreated condition.

So, you should always try to advocate for yourself with your physician. If you do not agree with your physicians diagnosis get another one to be sure it is correct. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with your physician. Your health may depend on it!

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