If your child has been diagnosed with a hole in the heart, you might have less to worry about than you think 

Receiving a diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming, all the more if it pertains to a hole in the heart. As your child’s arterial organ, the heart plays a central role in maintaining the body’s circulation. But if you’ve been worrying about taking your child’s heart from ‘hole to whole’, you might have less to worry about than you think. Here’s a spotlight on how, when, and at what age holes in the heart are typically treated.

Meet the best cardiothoracic surgeons in Hyderabad at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute

Understanding holes in the heart

Holes in the heart are among the most common heart defects; they are usually of two types—atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Both types indicate a hole in the wall that divides the heart into the left and right sides. An ASD pertains to a hole between the upper chambers, while a VSD pertains to a hole between the lower chambers. In most cases, a hole may be suspected due to an ostensible heart murmur, and can be confirmed via an echocardiography.

• 50% of ASDs close in due course; 20% close in a child’s first year of life
• Over 50% of VSDs close on their own by the time a child is 4-5 years old 

Treating holes in the heart

While many holes in the heart do not warrant any treatment, some might be referred for treatment during infancy, early childhood or adulthood. The exact treatment your child is administered hinges on the location, size and type of the hole, as well as your child’s age, symptoms and health profile. Septal defects that do not close on their own might be fixed with surgery or with a specialized device inserted using a catheter. 

The outlook for holes in the heart

The outlook for children with ASDs and VSDs is remarkable. Modern interventions enable children with such heart defects to thrive through life and undertake normal activities, without an impact on lifespan. Many children with holes in the heart require only intermittent checkups and do not need any additional care.

Taking heart in Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute

At Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute, we’re home to the best cardiothoracic surgeons in Hyderabad. If your child has been diagnosed with a hole in the heart, trust our holistic pediatric cardiac treatment programs to give your child the best care. Learn more about our services on our website or schedule a consultation with a pediatric heart specialist at our center.

Looking for the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad? Book a consultation with a pediatric heart specialist at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute.