SEPTAL DEFECT Meaning and
Definition
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Septal defect is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal opening or hole in the septum, which is the wall that separates the two chambers of the heart. This condition typically affect the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles, but can also occur in the atrial septum, the wall separating the left and right atria.
There are different types of septal defects, including atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventricular septal defects (VSD). ASDs involve an opening in the atrial septum, which allows blood to flow directly between the two atria. VSDs, on the other hand, refer to a hole in the ventricular septum, causing blood to pass from the left ventricle to the right ventricle. This abnormal communication between the heart chambers leads to a mixture of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, resulting in an overload of blood flow to the lungs.
Septal defects can occur due to genetic factors, exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy, or as a result of other medical conditions, such as Down syndrome. Symptoms of septal defect may vary depending on the size and location of the defect, but commonly include fatigue, recurrent respiratory infections, poor growth, and difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity.
Treatment options for septal defects depend on several factors including the size, location, and severity of the defect. In some cases, small septal defects may close on their own over time and require only monitoring. However, larger defects or those causing significant symptoms may require medical intervention, such as medication, catheter-based procedures, or surgery, to repair the abnormal opening.
Common Misspellings for SEPTAL DEFECT
- aeptal defect
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Etymology of SEPTAL DEFECT
The term "septal" in "septal defect" is derived from the Latin word "septum", meaning "a wall or partition". "Defect" comes from the Latin word "defectus", meaning "a lack or absence", which implies an abnormality or imperfection. So, "septal defect" refers to an abnormality or defect in the wall or partition that separates two structures, particularly in relation to the medical condition known as a congenital heart defect.
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