I'm really worried about my brother. He's 25 and we've just found out he's got a 20mm hole in his heart. I'm not sure how serious this is and what the next steps should be. Can you help us understand what all of this means and what we should do next?

Treatment for ASD depends on the size of the hole and the symptoms it is causing. In some cases, small ASDs may not require treatment and can close on their own. However, larger defects may require intervention. One common treatment for ASD is surgical repair, where the hole is closed with a patch. Another option is transcatheter closure, where a device is inserted through a catheter to close the hole. Medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms or prevent complications. In this case, your brother may be prescribed medications such as aspirin to prevent blood clots or medications to manage heart failure symptoms. It is important for your brother to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for his specific situation.