What is a VSD?
A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the ventricular septum (muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles). This opening shunts blood between the ventricles of the heart. Most commonly, oxygenated blood from the left moves to the right because there is greater pressure on the left & the resistance in the lungs is significantly lower than that of the body (systemic resistance). VSDs are the most common form of congenital heart disease. They may be single or multiple, can vary in sizes, and may occur anywhere on the ventricular septum. The severity of the symptoms depends on all of those factors!
What are the effects of a VSD?
In left-to-right shunting, blood that just came from the lungs (oxygenated) crosses the VSD and returns to the lungs again. This causes increased pulmonary blood flow. A murmur can be heard d/t turbulent blood flow crossing the hole. The smaller the hole, the louder the murmur.
The following are some examples of signs and symptoms that you may see in an infant with EITHER an ASD or VSD due to increased blood flow, fluid overload, or congestive heart failure:
Brisk pulses
RDS
Murmur
Edema
Poor growth & development
Tachypnea and/or tachycardia
Increased WOB and fatigue
Sweating
Restlessness and look of panic
How is it treated?
Babies can be treated with diuretics such as Lasix and Aldactone. These medications help to reduce the volume of fluid traveling to the lungs, making it easier for the infant to breathe. Blood pressure medications may also be prescribed to help the left ventricle with pumping blood out the aorta in order to reduce blood flow to the lungs. Surgery may also be required to close the VSD. This involves patching or suturing during open heart surgery.
