Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
What is it?
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall
of the heart between the left and right lower heart
chambers (ventricles). The hole allows blood to flow from
the left ventricle to the right ventricle instead of
entering the aorta for distribution throughout the body.
Who gets it?
VSD is the most common congenital heart defect,
affecting about one in three children with a heart
abnormality discovered at birth. Genetics do not seem to
play a role in VSD.
What causes it?
VSD often occurs as a single defect with no known
cause, but it is also found in children with other
problems, such as German measles (rubella) and Down’s
syndrome. VSD may also occur when a heart attack weakens
the muscle of the septum.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of VSD result from a reduced amount of oxygen
going to the body and are proportional to the size of the
defect. They may appear at any time in the life of the
child. Usually there are no symptoms in children with
small defects, but those with large defects may have
congestive heart failure, lower respiratory tract
infections, rapid breathing, poor weight gain,
restlessness, irritability and tire easily.
How is it diagnosed?
A small heart defect can be detected by a heart mummor
heard through a stethoscope. X rays, electrocardiogram (ECG),
and echocardiography can all be used to diagnose VSD. A
chest x-ray may show that the heart is slightly larger
than normal and that there is more blood flow through the
lungs. A test called cardiac catheterization may be used
to confirm the diagnosis and to be sure there are no other
heart problems.
What is the treatment?
Small VSDs usually close on their own during the first
years of childhood. The smaller the defect, the more
likely it is to close on its own. But no one can predict
which defects will close and which will not. A small VSD
usually does not cause any problems and seldom requires
treatment.
Medium and large VSDs are usually closed by sewing a patch
of a special material (Dacron) over the defect. When
surgical repair of a VSD is not an emergency, the
operation carries very little risk. Children who have
surgery to repair a VSD before they are 2 years old
usually do well, although older children and young adults
who have surgical repair may still have some problems with
their heart function. These problems, which include
abnormal heart rhythms and a slightly reduced pumping
ability of the heart, are usually not serious and may be
treated with medications.
Self-care tips
Proper treatment of VSDs can allow children with larger
defects to live nearly normal lives.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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