By Gom Mirian
Women are more likely to develop atrial septal defects (ASDs), also known as hole in the heart, than their male counterparts, a medical expert has said.
ASDs are congenital heart defects.
This was disclosed by Professor Karma Tayo Adeleke, a cardiologist and the president/ CEO of Tristate Healthcare System in Lagos.
He said “women have a higher prevalence of ASD compared to men due to various factors like hormonal differences, pregnancy-related changes, and genetics.”
Prof. Adeleke added that women are also more likely to show less visible symptoms of ASD, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
According to him, studies have further shown that ASD in women is more likely to be associated with other congenital anomalies and may lead to worse outcomes than in men.
“Women carrying ASD have a higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to a higher maternal and fetal mortality rate,” he added.
He continued: “There is a common misconception that ASDs primarily affect children and young adults, causing this condition to fly under the radar in older individuals. However, ASD can occur in adults too, and it can remain undiagnosed for years.
“It has been proven that women are more likely to develop ASD than men. A significant number of women, particularly those above the age of 30, had been living with undiagnosed ASDs. Therefore, Nigerian women need to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience any.
“Also, women who are planning to get pregnant should take extra precautions to ensure that they need to discuss with a doctor the kind of medications they are using to ensure they are in good health before conception. A healthy pregnancy leads to healthier babies,” he said.
