Today I thought I'd give a science lesson to show what I had going on. This is off the USC Keck School of Medicine site. It seemed like a good definition that didn't seem too technical.
Hopefully this helps....
Atrial Septal Defect, or ASD, is a congenital anomaly of the heart and most ASD's are not serious and can be easily fixed. During the normal development of a fetus, there is an opening, which persists between the two upper chambers of heart (the atria). Oxygenated blood returning from the mother enters the umbilical cord in utero and then crosses the opening in the heart to reach the left side of the heart. In the fetus, this is how red oxygenated blood is normally pumped through the body. This atrial opening normally closes after birth, and blood is pumped through the lungs and then to the left side of the heart, thus separating off the non-oxygenated and oxygenated blood for life.
Atrial septal defects occur if the tissue (known as the atrial septum) between the two atria does not completely close after birth. The persistent opening can vary in size from miniscule to very large. If this opening continues for a long time or into adulthood, the persistent or extra flow of blood across that opening (called a shunt) can place a strain on the heart. There are 3 types of ASD's: Ostium secundum (the most common), Ostium primum, and Sinus venosus.
Wendi - thank u 4 this blog. I woke up so early this morning thinking about so many things. I am praying 4 u & yur family. I admire yur strength & know that our loving Father will heal your heart & give u renewed strength & stamina. When i think about yur journey, it puts all my troubles n2 perspective so thank u 4 sharing. Blessings & love 2 u. Dana D.
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