Final answer:
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is detected through unusual heart sounds during auscultation and confirmed with medical imaging like an echocardiogram. Severe septal defects, such as Tetralogy of Fallot, can cause cyanosis and may require surgical repair. A patent foramen ovale is another common but often asymptomatic septal defect.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is often identified through a process known as auscultation, where unusual heart sounds may be heard instead of the normal sounds resulting from the flow of blood and the closing of heart valves. This can indicate that there may be a communication between the heart's atria that isn't normally present. Medical imaging, such as an echocardiogram, is used to confirm the diagnosis of an ASD.In some instances, these septal defects can lead to a condition known as "blue baby", which is characterized by cyanosis due to low oxygenated blood levels, especially in severe cases like tetralogy of Fallot and patent foramen ovale. Tetralogy of Fallot, for example, includes four heart abnormalities, though only three may be present in an individual case. The survival rates for Tetralogy of Fallot vary with age, but with treatment, which may include surgical repair with stents and valve replacement, the rates can be improved.A patent foramen ovale, another septal defect, may be asymptomatic and is detected in a similar manner through auscultation and confirmed by an echocardiogram. It is present in a significant portion of the population but does not always require intervention unless symptomatic.