ABOUT THE DISEASE

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s two lower chambers (ventricles), causing the normal blood flow to alter. Blood low in oxygen from the right ventricle is mixed with oxygenated blood in the left ventricle causing variety of problems.

.

SYMPTOMS

If the hole is small no symptoms might be observed, in the case of bigger holes some of the following might occur:

• • Hard breathing
• • Paleness
• • Trouble gaining weight
• • Fast heart rate
• • Sweating while feeding
• • Frequent respiratory infections
• • Loss of appetite

CAUSES

Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects (occurs in 1 in 500 kids and constitutes over 30 percent of all congenital heart defects). No known causes for the same have been identified.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Chest x-ray
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- MRI of heart
- Cardiac catheterization, rarely

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatment plan depends upon :

- Age
- Size and location of hole

For smaller holes no treatment other than a constant monitoring might be required. For individuals with medium to large defects, VSD closure surgery may be necessary. In most cases, this surgery takes place in young children within the first 2 years of life.

Until the surgery is performed, medication to help the heart pump more efficiently or to help the body get rid of extra fluids, is advised.

You may also like to learn about:

Atrial septal defect
Patent foramen ovale
Congenital heart defects
Tetralogy of Fallot
Heart block
Arrhythmia