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A ventricular septal defect (VSD) — sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart — is the most common congenital heart defect.
The hole between the right and left ventricles of the heart allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, and can cause babies to be cyanotic (blue). In other patients, the connecting hole may cause too much blood flow to the lungs and damage the lung arteries.
The blood flowing through the hole creates an extra noise, which is known as a heart murmur. The heart murmur can be heard when a health care provider listens with a stethoscope.
As the leading providers of pediatric heart care in Louisville and Southern Indiana, our cardiothoracic surgeons are experienced with successfully repairing VSDs with few or no complications.
The board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, have the skill and experience to provide a pinpoint diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan for you and your child.
Most kids who have had a VSD corrected go on to live healthy, active lives.
Whether a VSD causes any symptoms depends on the size and location of the hole. Small VSDs usually don’t cause symptoms, and might close on their own.
Older kids or teens with small VSDs usually have no symptoms other than the heart murmur. They might need to see a doctor regularly to make sure the VSD isn’t causing any issues.
Medium and large VSDs that haven’t been treated in childhood may cause noticeable symptoms. Babies may have faster breathing and get tired while trying to eat. They may start sweating or crying with feeding, and may be slower to gain weight. These signs generally indicate that the hole will not close by itself, and heart surgery may be needed. Surgery usually is done within the first three months of life to prevent other complications. A cardiologist can prescribe medicine to lessen symptoms before surgery.
VSDs happen while the baby’s heart is developing during pregnancy. The heart develops from a large tube. The tube divides into sections that will eventually become the walls and chambers of the heart. If something goes wrong during this process, a hole can form in the wall (septum) that separates the left ventricle from the right.
In some cases, the tendency to develop a VSD may be inherited. Genetic syndromes can cause extra or missing pieces of chromosomes that can be associated with atrial septal defects (ASDs). Most VSDs, though, have no clear cause.
People born with a VSD are at greater risk for developing endocarditis, an infection of the inner surface of the heart caused by bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteria always exist in our mouths, and small amounts get into the bloodstream when we chew food and brush our teeth. Brushing and flossing daily and visiting a dentist regularly can reduce bacteria in the mouth.
A pediatrician doing a routine checkup usually will find the VSD in the first few weeks of life. The doctor will hear a heart murmur, a sound distinctive for a VSD, as blood passes between the left and right ventricles.
If your child has a heart murmur, your doctor may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating childhood heart conditions.
The cardiologist will do an exam and take your child’s medical history. If a VSD is suspected, the cardiologist may order one or more of these tests:
Treatment depends on a child’s age and the size, location and severity of the VSD. A child with a small defect that causes no symptoms may need to visit a cardiologist regularly to make sure that there are no other problems.
In most kids, a small defect will close on its own without surgery. Some might not close, but they won’t get any larger. Kids with small VSDs usually don’t need to restrict their activities.
If your child is having trouble breathing, call your doctor or go to the emergency department immediately. Other symptoms that may indicate a problem include:
Call your doctor if you notice any of these signs in your child after closure of the VSD.