A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a type of heart defect you are born with. VSD is one of the congenital heart defects (CHD) often referred to as “a hole in the heart.”
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with VSD, Banner Health is here to help. We’ll explain more about this heart defect and how it affects daily life.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a heart condition where there’s a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). This hole allows blood to flow between the chambers of the heart instead of flowing into the body as it should.
Normally, the left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body and the right side carries low-oxygen (oxygen-poor) blood back into the heart. In a child with VSD, oxygenated blood mixes with oxygen-poor blood, increasing the amount of blood flowing toward the heart and lungs.
Over time, this extra blood flow can strain the heart and increase the risk of problems like heart failure and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect (CHD) and the most common reason for infants to see a cardiologist (a doctor who treats the heart).
There are four main types of VSD, which can vary by location and in size. The main types of VSD are:
Children are born with VSDs. They happen during pregnancy (in utero) when the wall between the heart’s lower chambers doesn’t form properly.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, some heart defects may be passed down in families (genetic/inherited). VSD can sometimes occur along with other genetic conditions, like Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome. Lifestyle habits, taking certain medications and exposure to certain toxins during pregnancy may also play a role.
The only known cause of VSD is when it happens later in life as a rare side effect of a heart attack or certain heart procedures.
Learn more about the causes and risk factors of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
Many people with VSD seem healthy and have no symptoms, especially if the hole is small.
Large holes can cause symptoms later in childhood or adulthood. Symptoms may include:
Some VSDs are found before or soon after a child is born. But some may not be found until later in life. Your health care provider (or your child's) may hear a heart murmur while listening to your heart (or your child's) with a stethoscope. The murmur is from the abnormal flow of blood through the heart.
You may need to consult a cardiologist for a diagnosis. This specialist will listen to the heart and lungs and may order one more of these tests:
Diagnosing CHDs like VSD early is very important for lifelong health. Learn more about how heart defects are diagnosed.
Treatment of VSD depends on the location of the hole, size of the hole, symptoms, age and general health.
Some small VSDs may close on their own, often before the age of 6. Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor the heart.
If the VSD is large or doesn’t close on its own, prescription medicines might be needed to help reduce symptoms and help the heart work better. Young children may also need a high-calorie formula or tube feeding if they are failing to thrive or grow.
Medicines and nutrition alone, though, won’t close the hole. Fixing the hole may also be recommended, usually with heart surgery. Cardiac catheterization is sometimes used for specific types of VSDs. A cardiovascular (heart) surgeon does the surgery.
VSDs can be repaired surgically in two ways: open and minimally invasive. Open-heart surgery involves making a cut (incision) through the chest wall to access the heart. Sometimes, VSDs can be repaired using smaller cuts (minimally invasive surgery). Surgeons may stitch the hole shut or use a patch to close the hole.
Recovery may take a few weeks and usually includes a hospital stay, follow-up appointments and imaging tests.
With this option, a cardiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guides it to the heart. A device is then sent through the catheter to close the hole. This can be done only for specific types of defects that are away from the valves.
Recovery time is usually short. Many patients can go home the same day or the next.
Your health care provider will work with you to determine the best approach for treatment. Learn more about treatment options for CHDs.
A small VSD may not cause any problems. However, some medium or large VSDs may cause health problems later if not treated.
As children with VSD get older, they might be at an increased risk for irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart failure, stroke and pulmonary hypertension. Over time, pulmonary hypertension can cause long-term damage to blood vessels in the lungs, a condition called Eisenmenger syndrome.
Those with untreated VSD may also be at small risk for endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves.
With proper care and treatment, most people with VSD lead active, healthy lives. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is important to monitor heart health and watch for potential issues.
At Banner Health, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Our team of experienced pediatric and adult cardiologists offers specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating this condition. Our specialists are leaders in the field of congenital heart defects, providing personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our specialists.
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