Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Atrial septal defect atmospheric pressure
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Atrial septal defect patients are highly susceptible to high or low atmospheric pressure. Patients should be monitored when they experience high or low atmospheric pressure. Situations such as scuba diving or high-altitude climbing could pose serious health risks. High atmospheric pressure situations, such as scuba diving, can increase the risk of decompression illness and paradoxical emboli. Low atmospheric pressure situations, such as high-altitude climbing, can increase the risk of increased right-to-left shunting and oxygen desaturation (hypoxia). ASD patients should consult with a physician before exposing themselves to these atmospheric extremes.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3] Kristin Feeney, B.S. [4]