Abnormal Cardiac Septum Morphology C5779791
An abnormality in the wall between the heart's chambers. This can be present from birth or develop later. Treatment depends on the severity and cause.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and fingernails due to insufficient oxygen in the blood, indicating a severe septal defect.
This is a medical emergency; seek immediate emergency care if cyanosis develops.
Fainting during exertion
Loss of consciousness triggered by physical activity, indicating significant cardiac compromise.
This requires immediate medical evaluation; call emergency services if fainting occurs.
Heart murmur
(cardiovascular)An abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise, caused by turbulent blood flow across the septal defect.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, especially during physical activity or exertion, due to increased blood flow to the lungs.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that interferes with daily activities, resulting from the heart working harder to compensate for the septal defect.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Palpitations
(cardiovascular)Awareness of a rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat, often felt in the chest or throat.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Exercise intolerance
(constitutional)Reduced ability to perform physical activities or exercise due to quickly becoming tired or out of breath.
Frequency: 45-55% of patients
Irregular heartbeat
(cardiovascular)Abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmias that may feel like the heart is skipping beats, racing, or pounding.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Leg and ankle swelling
(cardiovascular)Fluid buildup causing puffiness in the lower legs and ankles, often worse at the end of the day.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Poor growth in children
(constitutional)Inadequate weight gain and growth in infants and children due to increased metabolic demands on the heart.
Frequency: 10-15% of pediatric patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Disease management and monitoring
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Echocardiographic Surveillance
Regular transthoracic echocardiograms to monitor cardiac septum morphology, assess hemodynamic impact, and track any changes over time.
Endocarditis Prophylaxis
Antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental or surgical procedures for patients with abnormal cardiac septum anatomy as recommended by current guidelines.
Additional treatment options
Cardiac Catheterization
Invasive hemodynamic assessment to measure pressure gradients, assess shunt magnitude, and evaluate suitability for potential interventional closure.
procedureSeptal Repair or Closure
Surgical correction of septal defects through patch closure or repair techniques, indicated for significant shunts causing symptoms or complications.
surgicalActivity Counseling
Personalized recommendations regarding physical activity and competitive sports participation based on defect severity and hemodynamic significance.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Cardiac Septum Morphology C5779791?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Stout KK, Daniels CJ, Aboulhosn JA, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139(4):e698-e800.
Baumgartner H, De Backer J, Babu-Narayan SV, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the management of adult congenital heart disease. European Heart Journal. 2021;42(6):563-645.
Perloff JK, Warnes CA. Congenital heart disease in adults: a new cardiovascular specialty. Circulation. 2011;124(19):2235-2241.
American College of Cardiology. Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinical Cardiology: 2022 US Cardiovascular Education Needs Assessment. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;79(11):1098-1112.
Khan A, Ramsey K, Ballard C, et al. Long-term outcomes in patients with atrial septal defect: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology. 2018;268:74-82.
Geva T, Martins JD, Wald RM. Atrial septal defects. Lancet. 2014;383(9932):1921-1932.
Kutty S, Naqvi N, Danford DA. Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect: device selection and procedural outcomes. JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. 2022;15(3):275-289.
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. SCAI Guidelines for Adult Congenital Heart Disease Interventional Procedures. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. 2020;96(3):724-748.
Allen HD, Driscoll DJ, Shaddy RE, Feltes TF. Moss and Adams' Heart Disease in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Including the Fetus and Young Adult. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2022.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Cardiac Septum Morphology C5779791. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy