List one risk factor associated with atrial septal defects.

One significant risk factor associated with atrial septal defects is a family history of congenital heart defects. These defects can be influenced by genetic factors, and having a close family member with congenital heart defects increases the likelihood of other family members being affected. This relationship highlights the importance of genetic predisposition in the development of such cardiovascular anomalies. Inherited factors can play a critical role in the formation of various heart structures during embryonic development, making those with a family history more susceptible to conditions like atrial septal defects.

While other factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes can lead to cardiovascular issues, they are not specifically linked to the congenital nature of atrial septal defects in the same way that family history is.