In what age range are atrial septal defects typically diagnosed?

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are congenital heart defects that involve a hole in the wall (septum) separating the heart's two upper chambers (the atria). While ASDs are present at birth, they are often asymptomatic in early infancy or childhood. Many individuals remain undiagnosed until later in life, when symptoms may become apparent or when the defect is detected during routine medical evaluations.

Diagnosing ASDs during childhood is common, as pediatricians may notice signs that prompt further investigation. However, since these defects can remain subtle and unnoticeable for many years, they are frequently identified in adulthood, often when patients present with heart-related symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue. The flexibility in the timing of diagnosis demonstrates that ASDs can be found across a wide age range, making the option indicating diagnosis during childhood and into adulthood the most accurate.

Other provided options do not accurately reflect the diagnostic timeline for ASDs. The implication that ASDs are exclusively diagnosed in the elderly, only at birth, or solely during regular check-ups is misleading. The reality is that varying degrees of symptoms and the potential for precise medical assessments allow for diagnosis at different life stages, with many cases emerging in childhood but extending into adulthood as well