Your healthcare provider will use your symptoms, a physical exam and cardiac imaging and function tests to diagnose an atrial septal defect. The provider will listen for a heart murmur with a stethoscope, which may be a sign of a defect. They may recommend several tests or imaging procedures during the diagnosis process.
An echocardiogram (echo) records activity of the heart using ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest that makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then wave a device called a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
Cardiac CT uses X-ray images taken from numerous angles to create a 3D view of your heart. Using cardiac CT, doctors can evaluate the heart valves’ structure and locate blockages that prevent the valves from opening or closing correctly.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and show blood flow and heart valve function. Using cardiac MRI, your physician can diagnose heart valve disease by evaluating leaky or narrowed valves.
A chest X-ray takes pictures of your heart, lungs and arteries and can reveal signs of heart disease, such as enlarged areas or calcium deposits in your heart and fluid in your lungs.
Providing information about your heart’s electrical activity, an electrocardiogram can help your provider understand your heart rate and whether you have an arrhythmia. Alternatively, your provider might ask you to wear a monitor for a day or two to record how well your heart’s circuitry is working.
During a cardiac catheterization, a thin tube called a catheter is maneuvered from an opening in the groin to the heart. The catheter can measure pressure and blood flow. Some types of heart problems can be repaired from within the blood vessels during a cardiac catheterization procedure.
