Atrial septal defect atmospheric pressure

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.

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