A hole in the wall between the top chambers of the heart is termed an atrial septal defect (ASD). In ASD, there is an abnormal opening in the atrial septum, the partition that separates the right and left atria. The correct option is B.
This opening allows blood to flow between these chambers, potentially causing inefficient circulation and oxygenation. ASD is a congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth.
In contrast, a ventricular septal defect (VSD) involves a hole in the wall between the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.
Aortic stenosis refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve, not a hole in the septum. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical management.