A crack in the heart is medically referred to as a septal defect, which is an abnormal opening of the heart’s partition or septum. A hole in the heart causes oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mingle, disturbing normal blood circulation. While some are identified at birth, and others may not exhibit symptoms of congenital defects until maturity, understanding the many types of holes in the heart, recognizing symptoms, and investigating treatment options can make a significant difference in effectively treating such a problem.