Atrial septal defect exercise testing

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [4]

Overview

Exercise testing can be used to document changes in oxygen saturation. However, it is contraindicated in severe pulmonary artery hypertension.

Exercise Testing

To objectively quantitate the exercise capacity in individuals in whom the symptoms are not matching the clinical findings.
To document changes in oxygen saturation in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension.

Maximal exercise testing is not recommended in ASD with severe pulmonary artery hypertension

2008 ACC / AHA Guidelines – Evaluation of the Unoperated Patient – Atrial Septal Defect (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

2008 ACC / AHA Guidelines – Evaluation of the Unoperated Patient – Atrial Septal Defect (DO NOT EDIT)^[1]

Class I
“1. Patients with unexplained RV volume overload should be referred to an ACHD center for further diagnostic studies to rule out obscure ASD, partial anomalous venous connection, or coronary sinoseptal defect. (Level of Evidence: C) ”

Class III (Harm)
“1. Maximal exercise testing is not recommended in ASD with severe PAH. (Level of Evidence: B) ”

Class IIa
“1. Maximal exercise testing can be useful to document exercise capacity in patients with symptoms that are discrepant with clinical findings or to document changes in oxygen saturation in patients with mild or moderate PAH. (Level of Evidence: C) ”

References