Ventricular Septal Defect

A ventricular septal defect, also called a VSD, is a hole in the wall of the heart that separates the two lower chambers of the heart i.e. right ventricle and left ventricle. This hole allows blood to pass from the left ventricle to the right ventricle causing oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood to mix. The hole can occur at different locations along the length of the wall. It can also be of different sizes.

What are the symptoms?

  • Frequent infections

  • Poor weight gain or growth

  • Difficulty or breathlessness

  • Increased heartbeat

  • Trouble feeding or gaining weight

What are the causes?

The exact cause of a VSD remains unknown. However, sometimes genetic may influence the occurrence of a ventricular septal defect.

How can it be diagnosed?

  • Physical examination
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiography

What are the treatment options?

  • Surgery
  • Transcatheter device closure