Atrioventricular Septal Defect Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

Learn About Atrioventricular Septal Defect

What is the definition of Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
An atrioventricular defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart malformation in which there are holes in the walls between the atria and ventricles (upper and lower chambers) of the heart combined with the presence of abnormal heart valves. An atrioventricular defect causes blood to flow abnormally between all four chambers of the heart. There are two types of atrioventricular defects: 1) complete atrioventricular defect, and 2) partial or incomplete atrioventricular defect.
What are the symptoms of Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
Some individuals with a partial atrioventricular septal defect may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of an atrioventricular defect may include fatigue, heart pounding, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, blue or gray skin color (cyanosis), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure), and swelling of legs or abdomen (edema). Symptoms of heart failure in infants and children with atrioventricular septal defect may include excessive sleepiness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, difficulty feeding, failure to thrive, rapid heartbeat, blue or gray skin (cyanosis), and congested lungs.
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
What are the current treatments for Atrioventricular Septal Defect?
Treatment for atrioventricular septal defect requires surgical repair of the defect and valve repair or replacement. Medication, such as diuretics and vasodilators, may be used short term while waiting for surgery. Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive may be treated with tube feeding and additional calories. It is important to note that surgery for atrioventricular septal defect does not provide a cure. A child or adult who has undergone surgical repair will have to have be monitored during regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist for possible complications, such as mitral valve leak or other complications.
Who are the top Atrioventricular Septal Defect Local Doctors?
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Meryl S. Cohen
Pediatric Cardiology | Pediatrics
Elite in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Meryl S. Cohen
Pediatric Cardiology | Pediatrics

Childrens Health Care Associates Inc

3401 Civic Ctr Blvd, 
Philadelphia, PA 
 (93.1 mi)
215-590-1000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

Meryl Cohen is a Pediatric Cardiologist and a Pediatrics provider in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Cohen and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. Her top areas of expertise are Atrioventricular Septal Defect, Partial Atrioventricular Canal, Ventricular Septal Defects, Osteotomy, and Heart Transplant.

Joyce W. Wald
Experienced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Joyce W. Wald
Cardiology | Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
Experienced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Joyce W. Wald
Cardiology | Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology

Penn Heart And Vascular Center At Perelman Center For Advanced Medicine

3400 Civic Center Blvd, East Pavilion 2nd Floor, 
Philadelphia, PA 
 (93.0 mi)
215-618-9665
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Joyce Wald is a Cardiologist and an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wald and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiogenic Shock, Heart Transplant, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Wald is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Experienced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Muhammad A. Nuri
Thoracic Surgery
Experienced in Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Dr. Muhammad A. Nuri
Thoracic Surgery
3401 Civic Center Blvd, 
Philadelphia, PA 
 (93.0 mi)
215-590-2708
Languages Spoken:
English, Urdu
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients

Muhammad Nuri is a Thoracic Surgeon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nuri and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrioventricular Septal Defect. His top areas of expertise are Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Atrioventricular Septal Defect, and RASopathies. Dr. Nuri is currently accepting new patients.

View All Doctors
What are the latest Atrioventricular Septal Defect Clinical Trials?
Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
View All Clinical Trials