What type of congenital heart defect is often diagnosed in adulthood due to asymptomatic presentation in childhood?

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening between the left and right atria of the heart. This condition allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left atrium into the right atrium, which can lead to increased blood flow to the right side of the heart and lungs. ASDs are often asymptomatic in childhood, which can lead to delayed diagnosis until adulthood when symptoms may start to manifest or during routine evaluations.

Individuals might begin to experience symptoms such as exercise intolerance, palpitations, fatigue, or heart murmurs as adults, prompting further investigation. Unlike some other congenital heart defects, which may present with more obvious clinical manifestations or complications in infancy or childhood, ASDs can be relatively well tolerated for long periods, contributing to their later diagnosis.

While coarctation of the aorta may present with hypertension and reduced blood flow in other areas, and ventricular septal defects or pulmonary atresia usually cause more significant symptoms early in life, ASD’s typically benign early course makes its detection primarily an adult concern. This characteristic distinguishes it from the other heart defects listed, solidifying its classification as one commonly diagnosed in adulthood due to its often asymptomatic nature during childhood.