The diagnosis of a hole in the heart typically involves the following steps:The diagnosis of a hole in the heart typically involves the following steps:

• Physical Examination: After an examination, a doctor may hear a heart murmur which may be an indication of septal defect.
• Echocardiogram: This is an imaging test that produces pictures of the heart using sound waves; from the resulting picture the doctor can determine where the hole is and how big it is.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test maps the electrical impulses of the heart and may assist in identifying the abnormal heart rhythms that may be related to septal deficiencies.
• Chest X-ray: This can demonstrate an enlarged heart or indications of hyperdynamic circulation-a condition characterised by excessive blood circulation in the lungs.
• Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Such imaging helps to produce pictures of the heart that enable the treatment plan to be developed.