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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I've been having this strange sensation on the left side of my chest, kind of like a needle prick. I got an ECG done, and it was normal, which is a relief, but my doctor put me on Provonal Forte. I'm just wondering, could this be some kind of chest infection or maybe anxiety acting up?

The symptoms you are experiencing could be related to anxiety or nerve-related issues. Provanol forte tablet is likely prescribed to help with chest discomfort and anxiety symptoms. However, if you are still feeling needle pricking sensations in your chest, it is important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. In the meantime, you can take Paracetamol for pain relief as needed.

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Does your body warn you before a heart attack?

Yes. Chest discomfort. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

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