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Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A congenital opening in the wall between the right and left ventricles.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)?

Ventricular septal defect is an opening in the septum between the right and left ventricles. It accounts for about 20% of congenital heart diseases. Perimembranous location is the most common, followed by muscular, inlet, and outlet types.

Left-to-right shunting through the defect increases pulmonary blood flow and, over time, causes pulmonary vascular disease. Large defects can produce congestive heart failure in infancy.

Treatment decisions are guided by defect size, shunt magnitude, and pulmonary pressure. Large VSDs that go untreated may progress to Eisenmenger syndrome.

Symptoms

Feeding difficulty and failure to thrive in infants
Rapid, labored breathing
Excessive sweating (particularly during feeding)
Recurrent respiratory infections
A pansystolic murmur at the lower left sternal border
Exertional dyspnea and easy fatigability
Cyanosis and clubbing in advanced disease

Risk Factors

Family history of congenital heart disease
Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders
Maternal diabetes in pregnancy
Exposure to alcohol or teratogens during pregnancy
Viral infections during pregnancy
Low birth weight
Associated congenital anomalies

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When feeding difficulty and dyspnea are noticed in infants
  • For evaluation of a murmur detected in the newborn
  • If a child develops cyanosis or clubbing
  • Known VSD patients planning pregnancy

Treatment Methods

01
Observation and monitoring for spontaneous closure in small defects
02
Diuretics and ACE inhibitors for heart failure
03
Percutaneous device closure in suitable anatomy
04
Surgical patch closure for large or symptomatic defects
05
Assessment of endocarditis prophylaxis need
06
Specific therapies if pulmonary hypertension develops

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.