A ventricular septal defect is a hole between the two lower chambers (the left and right ventricles). It can be congenital but is also a rare complication of a heart attack.
A ventricular septal defect is a condition where a hole occurs in the septum of the heart. The septum is the wall that divides the lower chamber of the heart into two. The presence of this hole allows blood to pass from the left to the right side of the heart, placing additional strain on the left ventricle which dilates and eventually fails if the condition is left.
In children and young adults a small ventricular septal defect is often asymptomatic but results in a murmur that a doctor hears when listening to the chest for another reason. If the hole is larger, then symptoms often include breathlessness, tiredness and weakness.
When a ventricular septal defect occurs after a heart attack, there is often severe breathlessness and dizziness with symptoms of cardiogenic shock.
An echocardiogram (ultrasound) is the key test and allows your doctor to detect the VSD and confirm the size and effect on the rest of the heart. You may also need other imaging such as a Cardiac MRI and CT scan of the heart to plan the best treatment.
In adults, small ventricular septal defects do not usually require treatment and may close spontaneously in teenagers and young adults. Those with larger ventricular septal defects of symptoms will need treatment and this is usually with cardiac surgery.
A ventricular septal defect requires careful evaluation by experts to ensure you are getting the correct treatment . Our cardiologists are available for consultation on any day of the week and weekends as well.
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