We're hiring ! Join us and make a difference in our hospitals
Ventricular septal defect
Ventricular septal defect
Summary
What is it about?
A ventricular septal defect is an opening between the left and right ventricles. It is a common malformation.
This ventricular septal defect allows oxygenated blood to mix with “deoxygenated” blood. The result is an increased workload for the ventricles and therefore heart failure.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath or fatigue during exertion, palpitations... (symptoms of heart failure).
Affected infants are more prone to respiratory infections.
Treatments
The ventricular septal defect will be closed surgically.
Diuretics, digitalis, sodium restriction, and treatment of respiratory infections in the meantime if the situation is stable.