Ventricular Septal Defect: Signs, Causes, And How To Treat

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a heart condition that involves a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles. This opening can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart and affect its overall function. VSD can develop during fetal growth or may be present at birth due to incomplete formation of the heart wall.

In some cases, it can also occur later in life due to heart damage from conditions like heart attacks or infections. Understanding the causes of VSD is important in managing the condition and preventing complications. By learning more about this heart defect and its origins, individuals can work with healthcare providers to develop a suitable treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect

Symptoms can vary depending on the size of the defect. Common signs may include rapid breathing, fatigue, poor weight gain in infants, sweating, and frequent respiratory infections. Some children may also experience a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nails due to inadequate oxygen levels in the blood. In severe cases, VSD can lead to complications like heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms. If you or your child show any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and management.

Rapid breathing or shortness of breath, especially during feeding or physical activity, can be a symptom of ventricular septal defect.
Fatigue or difficulty gaining weight may be observed in infants with ventricular septal defect due to increased effort during feeding.
Excessive sweating, particularly during feeding or exertion, can be a sign of ventricular septal defect in infants and children.
Frequent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, are common in children with ventricular septal defect due to compromised immunity.
Bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nail beds, known as cyanosis, may occur in severe cases of ventricular septal defect due to decreased oxygen levels.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Ventricular Septal Defect

The primary cause of VSD is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors may involve inherited abnormalities in the child's genes that affect heart development. Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as maternal infections or exposure to certain substances, can also play a role in the development of VSD. Additionally, advanced maternal age and certain medical conditions in the mother, like diabetes, have been associated with an increased risk of VSD in the offspring.

Genetic factors, such as chromosomal abnormalities, can contribute to the development of a ventricular septal defect.
Maternal exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy, like alcohol or certain medications, can increase the risk of a ventricular septal defect in the fetus.
Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or other viral illnesses, can lead to the development of a ventricular septal defect in the baby.
Certain medical conditions, like Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome, are associated with an increased likelihood of having a ventricular septal defect.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or radiation, can potentially play a role in the formation of a ventricular septal defect in a developing baby.

Types Of Ventricular Septal Defect

The types of VSDs include perimembranous, also known as membranous, which occurs near the heart's valves; muscular, found in the muscular portion of the septum; inlet, close to the tricuspid valve; and outlet, near the aortic and pulmonary valves. The location and size of the VSD can impact symptoms and treatment options, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and management.

Membranous ventricular septal defect is a common type that occurs in the membranous portion of the septum.
Muscular ventricular septal defect involves a hole in the muscular wall of the ventricular septum.
Perimembranous ventricular septal defect is located near the tricuspid and aortic valves.
Inlet ventricular septal defect occurs close to the tricuspid valve in the right atrium.
Outlet ventricular septal defect is positioned close to the pulmonary valve in the left ventricle.
Supracristal ventricular septal defect is situated above the tricuspid valve and aortic valve.
Subpulmonic ventricular septal defect is found

Risk Factors

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart condition that may result from various risk factors. Maternal factors such as diabetes, alcohol consumption, or certain medications during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of VSD in the baby. Genetic factors, such as having a family history of congenital heart defects, also play a role. Additionally, exposure to certain infections or environmental factors during pregnancy can contribute to the development of VSD in infants. Understanding these risk factors can aid in prevention and early detection of VSD to optimize treatment outcomes.

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of a baby being born with a ventricular septal defect.
Exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy, such as certain anti-seizure medications, can raise the risk of ventricular septal defect.
Genetic factors, such as specific chromosomal abnormalities, can predispose a child to developing a ventricular septal defect.
Maternal infections, like rubella or certain viral illnesses, during pregnancy can elevate the likelihood of a baby having a ventricular septal defect.
Advanced maternal age at the time of conception is associated with a higher incidence of ventricular septal defect in newborns.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Ventricular Septal Defect

A thorough physical examination may reveal characteristic heart murmurs, prompting further investigation. Echocardiography is commonly used to visualize the defect and assess its size and location. In some cases, additional tests such as electrocardiography (ECG) or cardiac catheterization may be performed to gather more detailed information. These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the severity of the VSD and plan appropriate treatment strategies tailored to the individual patient's needs.

Physical examination may reveal a heart murmur.
Echocardiography can visualize the VSD and assess its size and location.
Chest X-ray may show enlarged heart chambers.
Electrocardiogram can detect abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiac catheterization provides detailed information about the defect's severity.
MRI or CT scans may offer additional imaging details.
Pulse oximetry can assess oxygen saturation levels.

Treatment for Ventricular Septal Defect

Treatment options for ventricular septal defect (VSD) depend on the severity of the condition. In cases where the defect is small and not causing significant symptoms, monitoring by a healthcare provider may be all that is needed. However, for larger VSDs or those causing complications, treatment may include medications to manage symptoms or surgery to repair the defect. Surgical options may involve open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures, depending on the specific situation. The goal of treatment is to prevent complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, ensuring the patient's optimal heart function and overall well-being.

Surgery is often necessary for treating larger ventricular septal defects that are causing significant symptoms or complications.
Percutaneous device closure is a less invasive option for some cases of ventricular septal defects, particularly in smaller defects.
Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as heart failure associated with a ventricular septal defect.
Regular monitoring and follow-up with a cardiologist are essential to track the progression of the defect and adjust treatment as needed.
Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding strenuous physical activities, may be advised to prevent complications in individuals with ventricular septal defects.
In some instances, the defect may close on its own during infancy or early childhood, obviating the need

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recognize the signs of ventricular septal defect?

Signs of ventricular septal defect may include rapid breathing, poor weight gain, and frequent respiratory infections. A doctor can diagnose it.

Are there specific things I should or shouldn't do when dealing with ventricular septal defect?

Avoid strenuous activities, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely when dealing with ventricular septal defect.