In an outpatient context, the most effective procedures for diagnosing Atrial Septal Defects (ASD)
include history taking and physical examination. While the defect is frequently asymptomatic, querying the patient about problems related with paradoxical embolization and atrial arrhythmias such as shunting is crucial in early identification. The study is warranted because congenital cardiac lesions induce heart failure, ventricular dilatation, hypertension, and tricuspid regurgitation, all of which cause variable degrees of respiratory difficulties, fatigability, and exertional dyspnea (Abzug, Deterding, Hay & Levin, 2014). However, a medical history alone is insufficient and should be supplemented by a physical examination. The whooshing sound and the classical Eisenmenger syndrome can be confirmed by hyperdynamic right ventricular impulse arising from increased diastolic filling and large stroke volume. Similarly, clinical presentations such as shortness of breath, the edematous appearance of feet and abdomen, heart palpation, as well as fatigue after engaging in easy tasks are also leading manifestations. Despite their clinical relevance, the two diagnostic strategies are not confirmatory but initial procedures that should inform the need for further testing.
Treatment of atrial septal defect in Outpatient Setting
While sealing the hole through surgical means or cardiac catheterization is the preferred approach of treating autrium valve insufficiency, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in the outpatient environments are also significant. Medical therapy helps in managing the symptoms to help the patient lead a normal life. However, drugs such as furosemide and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor can only be prescribed to adults (Nishimura et al., 2014). Similarly, outpatient medical care can also entail giving pre-operative and post-operative drugs to minimize the risk of bacteremia. Health education is also critical, where the non-pharmacological intervention helps the individual understand predisposing elements that can aggravate the respiratory complications.
References
Abzug, M., Deterding, R., Hay, W., & Levin, M. (2014). Current diagnosis & treatment pediatrics. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education LLC.
Nishimura, R., Otto, C., Bonow, R., Carabello, B., Erwin, J., & Guyton, R. et al. (2014). 2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease. Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology, 63(22), e57-e185.
