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Children born with a small hole between the atrial chambers of the heart are not offered the option of having the hole closed. New Doctor of Medical Science Sebastian Udholm from Aarhus University instead recommends lifelong follow-up in order to avoid the defect leading to health challenges for the children later in life.
2021.11.03 |
In his higher doctoral dissertation, Sebastian Udholm studied what he calls a forgotten group of patients who have a minor ASD defect and how this affected their health over time.
One of the most common congenital heart diseases is a hole in the dividing wall between the two atrial chambers of the heart. Children with larger heart defects have the hole closed by an operation, but patients with smaller defects are not treated surgically.
At the Department of Clinical Medicine, Sebastian Udholm conducts research into the psychological and physical consequences for patients with a small hole in the dividing wall – also known as an atrial septal defect (ASD). In his higher doctoral dissertation, he concludes that small ASDs may develop over time, potentially leading to premature death, chronic diagnoses, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), impaired fertility and an impact on mental health. He therefore recommends that patients with a small, open ASD should undergo lifelong follow-up at a cardiologist to ensure that their health does not suffer.
Contact
MD & PhD Sebastian Udholm
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Mobile:
Email: sebaudho@rm.dk