Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
What is VSD?
Causes of VSD
VSD usually develops before birth when the heart does not form properly during fetal development. The exact cause is unknown, but some factors include:
✔ Genetic Factors – Family history of heart defects increases risk
✔ Chromosomal Disorders – Conditions like Down syndrome
✔ Maternal Infections – Certain infections during pregnancy
✔ Poor Maternal Health – Diabetes, smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
✔ Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of essential nutrients like folic acid during pregnancy can affect fetal heart development.
✔ Environmental Factors – Exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, or toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects.
Types of VSD
VSDs are classified based on their size and location in the heart:
1️⃣ Perimembranous VSD – Most common; located near the heart valves
2️⃣ Muscular VSD – Found in the lower part of the septum; may close naturally
3️⃣ Inlet VSD – Close to where blood enters the ventricles
4️⃣ Outlet VSD – Near the exit of blood from the ventricles
Diagnosis of VSD
🩺 Physical Exam – Doctor listens for heart murmurs
📸 Echocardiogram (Echo) – Uses ultrasound to see heart structure
🩻 Chest X-ray – Shows enlarged heart or lung congestion
🖥 Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Checks heart rhythm
🩻 Cardiac MRI – Provides detailed images of the heart
Symptoms of VSD
Symptoms depend on the size of the hole:
🔹 Small VSD (May Close on Its Own)
✔ No symptoms or very mild symptoms
✔ Normal growth and development
🔹 Medium to Large VSD (May Require Treatment)
❗ Heart Murmur – Abnormal heart sound heard through a stethoscope
❗ Rapid Breathing – Difficulty in breathing, especially during feeding (in babies)
❗ Frequent Lung Infections – Increased risk of pneumonia
❗ Fatigue and Weakness – Tiredness due to less oxygen circulation
❗ Poor Weight Gain – Babies may struggle to gain weight
If left untreated, a large VSD can cause:
⚠ Heart Failure – Heart works too hard, leading to swelling and fluid buildup
⚠ Pulmonary Hypertension – High blood pressure in the lungs
⚠ Endocarditis – Infection of the heart lining
Diagnosis of VSD
Treatment depends on the size and severity of the defect:
🔹 Small VSD (No Treatment Required)
✔ Many small VSDs close on their own within the first few years of life.
✔ Regular doctor checkups to monitor progress.
🔹 Medications (For Symptom Control)
💊 Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) – Reduces fluid buildup and heart strain.
💊 Beta-Blockers – Helps regulate heart rate and function.
💊 ACE Inhibitors – Lowers blood pressure in the heart and lungs.
🔹 Surgical Treatment (If Needed)
If the VSD is large or causing serious complications, surgery may be required:
🩺 Catheter-Based Procedure (Minimally Invasive)
✔ A small device is placed through a thin tube (catheter) to close the hole.
✔ Used for moderate-sized VSDs.
What to Avoid If You Have VSD?
❌ Avoid Heavy Exercise – Strenuous activities may overwork the heart.
❌ No Smoking & Alcohol – Damages blood vessels and increases complications.
❌ Avoid Caffeine and High-Sugar Diets – Can affect heart rhythm.
❌ No Skipping Medications – Always follow the doctor’s prescription.
❌ Avoid Unnecessary Stress – Stress can worsen heart conditions.