Which age group is typically most affected by atrial septal defects?

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are congenital heart defects that typically present from birth, but they often go undiagnosed during infancy and childhood. The age group of children and young adults is most affected because many ASDs are detected and treated during these years, often when they begin to exhibit symptoms related to the condition such as exercise intolerance or respiratory issues. While some may be identified in newborns, it is in the pediatric population where these defects become more apparent as the demands on the heart increase with physical activity and growth.

Furthermore, ASDs can occasionally be asymptomatic for many years, leading to recognitions in younger individuals. As a person ages, the likelihood of other forms of heart disease or complications from chronic conditions often overshadows the presence of an ASD, making it less often recognized in older populations. Thus, the identification and management of ASDs predominantly occur in the pediatric to young adult phase when medical evaluation for cardiac symptoms is more common.