Interventricular septal defect
Key points
- Ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart - the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defect.
- Before a baby is born, the right and left ventricles of its heart are not separate.
- Signs and tests A stethoscope examination of the heart usually reveals a loud, continuous murmur (the sound of the blood rushing across the hole).
- In mild cases, no treatment is needed, although the baby should be closely followed to ensure that the hole closes properly as the child grows.
Alternative names
VSD; Ventricular septal defect
Definition
Ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart - the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defect.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Before a baby is born, the right and left ventricles of its heart are not separate. As the fetus grows, a muscular wall forms to separate these lower heart chambers. If the wall does not completely form, a hole remains. This is what is known as a ventricular septal defect, or a VSD.
It is estimated that up to 1% of babies are born with this condition. In the vast majority (80-90%) of babies born with this condition, the hole is small. They will have no symptoms, and the hole will close spontaneously as the muscular wall continues to grow after birth.
If the hole is large, then too much blood will be pumped to the lungs, leading to congestive heart failure. These babies are often have symptoms related to the problem and may need medicine or surgery to close the hole.
As with most types of congenital heart disease, no one knows what causes VSDs. This defect often occurs along with other congenital heart malformations.
In adults, interventricular septal defects are a rare, but serious complication of heart attacks. These holes are related to the heart attack and do not result from a birth defect.
Symptoms
- shortness of breath
- breathing fast
- breathing hard
- paleness
- failure to gain weight
- fast heart rate
- pounding heart
- sweating while feeding
- frequent respiratory infections in children
Signs and tests
A stethoscope examination of the heart usually reveals a loud, continuous murmur (the sound of the blood rushing across the hole).
Tests include:
- a chest x-ray to see if there is a large heart with fluid in the lungs
- an ECG shows signs of an enlarged left ventricle
- an echocardiogram - definitive diagnosis
- a cardiac catheterization (rarely needed)
Treatment
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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