Post ASD surgery

[Bluelily25]

Hello,
I'm a 25 year old female and 2 years ago I was operated for sinus venosus ASD. I've been undiagnosed for years and it has come to the point where I couldn't climb a few stairs, was constantly tired and suffered a lot of chest pain. I've noticed a lot of improvements since the surgery, I can exercise normally for once,and I'm feeling much better, but every now and then, especially when I'm stressed out or tired I still suffer slight chest pain, and according to my cardiologist I have mild palpitations that do not need treatment.Also sometimes I've a feeling my heart is beating too past, my resting pulse is sometimes 96. What is my risk of heart disease, heart attack in the future? Is my health at risk if I decide to get pregnant? Is my heart "fixed" now? I also have to mention that heart disease runs in the family: my uncle has a heart anurysm and my mother suffers from arrhythmia. Answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
Even after ASD surgery,if you are having slight chest pains and tachycardia,then I would advise you to get yourself investigated for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT is essentially a very fast beating of the heart (in the 180 range often).You may need a 24 hrs holter EKG for that.Also arrhythmias and heart failure have to be dule out.Pls consult a cardiologist and get it done.

I hope it helps.Kind regards.

[mini_d]

Hello,

Atrial septal defect is one of the most benign congenital heart diseases. Even without treatment, patients can survive even beyond 40-50 years. Your feeling that your heart is beating too fast is called palpitations. Stress,anxiety, exercise can all increase heart rate even without any problem.

Patients with ASD can, even without a repair carry pregnancyto full term, albeit with some difficulty. After a repair, there will not be much difficulty in the hands of a good obstetrician.

ASD has no connection with Ischemic heart disease, which is the cause of myocardial infarction (commonly known as heart attack). Both are different processes and if IHD runs in your family, then you are still at risk and need to take necessary precautions.

Regards