I'm feeling really overweight right now. I'm over 100kg and I want to slim down within the next 2 months. What steps can I take to achieve this?

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

Consult Now

A 20mm Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a significant hole in the heart. While some small ASDs can close on their own, a 20mm defect typically requires intervention. _Treatment options:_ 1. *Surgical closure*: Open-heart surgery is often recommended for larger ASDs like yours. This involves closing the hole with a patch or stitching it shut. 2. *Transcatheter closure*: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a catheter through a vein in the leg, guiding it to the heart, and deploying a device to close the ASD. However, this option is typically reserved for smaller ASDs (usually < 20mm) or those with specific anatomy. 3. *Watchful waiting*: If you're asymptomatic and have no other heart problems, your doctor might recommend regular monitoring to see if the ASD closes on its own or causes any issues. However, this approach is less likely for a 20mm ASD. _Alternative options:_ While there are no guaranteed non-surgical cures for a 20mm ASD, some alternative approaches might be discussed with your doctor: 1. *Yoga and breathing exercises*: Some studies suggest that yoga and breathing exercises can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce symptoms. 2. *Dietary changes*: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids might help alleviate symptoms.

Answered 11 days ago