Ventricular septal defect

What is ventricular septal defect?

Ventricular septal defect is a cardiac pathology. It consists of an opening that occurs in the heart and generates a heart defect that manifests itself at birth. The hole is located in the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart.

Prognosis of the disease

There is the possibility that a small problem of interventricular communication does not produce big problems, in fact many of them close by themselves. Those of greater severity may need surgical repair during the first years of life to prevent complications.

A small ventricular septal defect may not cause major problems.

Symptoms of ventricular septal defect

The onset of symptoms or signs of serious heart problems usually appear during the first days, weeks or months of a child’s life. Some of these are:

  • Poor feeding and failure to thrive.
  • Accelerated breathing or difficulty breathing.
  • Feeling tired or fatigued quickly.

In some children these symptoms may not appear until infancy. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the size of the hole and other types of heart problems. Your health care provider can detect the heart problem through a medical checkup. Sometimes the ventricular septal defect can be detected with ultrasounds before the baby is born. On the other hand, there are patients who will not be diagnosed until they reach adulthood. In some people, the signs and symptoms may make breathing difficult, and the doctor may detect a heart murmur while using the stethoscope.

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What causes ventricular septal defect?

There is usually no specific cause of ventricular septal defect. However, genetics and environmental factors may play a role, and ventricular septal defect may occur singly or in conjunction with other congenital heart defects. Ventricular septal defect may manifest in different sizes and may be present in different locations on the wall between the ventricles. One or more ventricular septal defects may occur. There is a possibility that the disease may be reproduced in the future, especially after an infarction or a complication following certain cardiac procedures.

Can it be prevented?

In many cases nothing can be done to prevent ventricular septal defect. Nevertheless, it is necessary to make an effort to follow a healthy pregnancy. In addition, you should always consult your doctor if you are under antibiotic treatment. Some preventive methods are:

  • Seek early prenatal medical care, even before you are pregnant.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid infections.
  • Keep diabetes under control.

What specialist treats it?

The cardiologist is the specialist in treating this type of disease and all those related to the heart. Top Doctors offers patients the best online directory of doctors so that they can find the best specialist for their needs.