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?

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.