Could a heart hole that my cousin had as a baby still be an issue now that he's 14 years old? Should we be worried about any lingering effects, or is it likely that it closed up on its own over time?

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Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

MBBS
2+ Yrs

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It is possible that your cousin still has a heart hole, also known as a congenital heart defect. To determine if the hole is still present, he would need to undergo medical evaluation, which may include imaging tests such as an echocardiogram. Treatment options for a heart hole may include medications such as aspirin or blood thinners, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is important for your cousin to follow up with a cardiologist for further assessment and management.

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Answered 04/07/2025

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Heart Hole Overview
A heart hole, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD), can sometimes close on its own during childhood.
Potential Lingering Effects
- Some defects may persist.
- Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections could indicate issues.
Recommendation
- Follow-up with a cardiologist is crucial to assess current heart function.
- Many children with small defects do well without complications.
Reassurance
- It's common for small defects to resolve naturally, but monitoring is important to ensure your cousin's health.

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Answered 20/08/2025

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