[Interatrial communication in patients over 40 years of age].

Surgical treatment of atrial septal defect in patients older than 40 years is a subject of controversy. We compared the outcome in patients medically treated after the age of 40, with the long-term outcome in a similar group of patients after surgical closure. We conclude that surgical closure was superior to medical treatment. According to our results, surgical treatment must be performed as soon as possible, even if the symptoms of the functional status seem to be minimal.