What is atrial septal defect? Shortness of breath with heart palpitations is heart disease?

Question
Hello doctor,
I went to the hospital to see a doctor, the result was a diagnosis of atrial septal defect. I also often have difficulty breathing, my heart beats fast when I exercise, sometimes I feel very uncomfortable with my heart throbbing, I also often have headaches and feel like I don't have any strength. A year ago, I fainted but for unknown reasons, I just remember losing my ability to stand, I don't know if it has anything to do with the heart. Doctor tell me what is atrial septal defect? Shortness of breath with heart palpitations is heart disease? Doctor, please help me with the answer, thank you for the advice.
Vu Trong Phuc (2001)
Answer
Hello,
To the question “What is atrial septal defect? Shortness of breath with heart palpitations is heart disease? ", the doctor answered as follows:
Normally the heart has 4 chambers, the two atria are separated by the atrial septum, the two ventricles are separated from each other by the interventricular septum, 2 atria and 2 ventricles separated by 2 atrioventricular valve rings. During fetal life, the atrial septum has not closed to allow some of the oxygen-rich blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium (because the lungs have not yet worked). After birth, pulmonary resistance decreases, blood flows to the lungs and back to the left atrium, and the pressures on both sides of the right atrium and left atrium are balanced, leading to closure of the atrial septum.
If the atrial septum does not close on its own, atrial septal defect will result. There are four types of atrial septal defect:
1st hole (primary hole). Second hole atrial septal defect (secondary foramen). Sinus venous atrial septal defect. Atrial septal defect of the coronary sinus. Most second-hole atrial septal defects with a diameter of less than 8 mm can close spontaneously within the first 2 to 5 years. Other atrial septal defects cannot close on their own. During an atrial septal defect, blood flows from the left atrium through the right atrium and into the right ventricle. The right ventricle receives an extra amount of blood, so it gradually dilates and can cause right ventricular failure.
If you have some symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, etc., you should go to a hospital with a cardiologist for examination and specific advice on treatment.
If you still have questions about your illness, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!

Answered by Master. Doctor Cao Thanh Tam - Cardiologist - Cardiovascular Center, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital