apollo
  • Male
  • 14 Years
  • 29/01/2025

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?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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.

Dr. Ibrahim Suggests...

Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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  1. 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.

  2. Potential Lingering Effects

    • Some defects may persist.
    • Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or frequent respiratory infections could indicate issues.
  3. Recommendation

    • Follow-up with a cardiologist is crucial to assess current heart function.
    • Many children with small defects do well without complications.
  4. Reassurance

    • It's common for small defects to resolve naturally, but monitoring is important to ensure your cousin's health.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

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I've just had an ECG, and the doctor mentioned there were some issues. They suggested I get an ECHO, which thankfully turned out to be normal. Now they've advised me to go for an angiography. I'm a bit uncertain about going for another test. Could you help me understand why it might be necessary? Also, they've prescribed me Clopidogrel IP 75 mg and Atorvastatin. Could you explain what these medications are for and if there are any side effects I should be aware of? I'm feeling a little lost here and would appreciate some guidance.

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I'm Sanjay, and I've been dealing with this small pin-point pain in my chest for the last two months. I saw a local doctor who suggested getting an ECG and blood tests. After the tests, he said my heart's fine and linked the pain to gastric issues. He prescribed Rablet D and Met XL. Could you have a look at my ECG and let me know if there's really no heart issue? I'm a non-smoker, non-drinker, weighing 59 kg, and I'm 158 cm tall. I've uploaded my ECG, blood test, and TMT 2D Echo reports. Can you help me figure this out?

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.