It Started with a Checkup Note: Mr. Lucky’s ASD Closure

Mr. Lucky, who lives in Bekasi, had barely ever felt any heart symptoms. A note in his medical checkup (MCU) results led to a diagnosis of a congenital heart defect, and then to his decision to have the hole in the wall of his heart closed at Heartology.

It Started with a Checkup Note

In 2024, Mr. Lucky's MCU results noted a heart murmur, an extra sound between heartbeats that can be heard through a stethoscope. His employer followed up on the finding and recommended heart screening. Mr. Lucky then had a comprehensive heart screening at Heartology.

The result was a diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a hole in the wall between the heart's upper chambers that is present from birth. Through this hole, some blood flows from the left upper chamber to the right, making the right side of the heart and the lungs work harder. He had hardly felt any symptoms, so the finding was completely unexpected. The news came as quite a shock, especially as he was still in the prime of his working life. He tried to accept it with an open heart. “We go back to the fact that there is good fate and bad fate,” he said.

Confident After a Clear Explanation

Mr. Lucky chose Heartology on his employer's recommendation, and because the whole series of screening tests could be done in one place. He felt anxious at first, but his wife's support and the doctor's explanation gave him confidence. Despite his worries, he chose to move forward, because he felt this procedure was the right step for him to take at the time. He was cared for by the Heartology cardiology team, including dr. Sri Diniharini, Sp.JP (K) and dr. Radityo Prakoso, Sp.JP (K). According to Mr. Lucky, the doctor explained in detail what his condition was and what needed to be done, so he felt ready to go ahead with the procedure.

The procedure he had was ASD device closure, in which the hole is closed with a special closure device. The aim is to stop blood from flowing where it should not between the two upper chambers of the heart. Mr. Lucky went ahead after weighing the doctor's explanation and his family's support.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, Mr. Lucky noticed a change. “After the ASD device closure, my breathing feels longer,” he said. When the video was recorded, his condition had improved. He felt his stamina had improved, and he no longer felt dizzy when climbing stairs.

This experience made him want to encourage others not to worry too much and not to hesitate to see a doctor. “Knowing what we need to do is better than just staying silent and waiting for the worst to happen to us,” he said. If your MCU results include a note about your heart, discuss the next steps with your doctor.