Know the basics

What is ventricular septal defect?

Ventricular septal defect is the most common form of congenital malformations of the two ventricles. Two ventricles are two low compartment of heart and they are separated by partitions. The left side of heart normally pumps blood with great pressure and has less oxygen than the right. Ventricular septal was a hole in septum between two ventricles. Ventricular septal makes blood on both sides mixed together, making blood carries less oxygen to body. Major disability can cause heart failure because heart does not pump enough blood. In children, if anomalies lie near aortic valve, they can harm the valve when the child grows up.

How common is ventricular septal defect?

Since this is a common congenital heart defects, everyone can get the disease. However, women often have higher risk than men.

Know the symptoms

What are the symptoms of ventricular septal defect?

Here are the most common symptoms:

Fatigue, shortness of breath (especially during exercise) or chest pain;

Become anemic because blood to skin contains less oxygen;

Abnormal rhythm;

Difficulty gaining weight.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should you see my doctor?

Depending on age, patient will have different symptoms. In children, you should take your child to the doctor immediately if your baby is easy to be fatigue, shortness of breath while eating, playing, or the baby is not gaining weight.

At an older age, you should see your doctor if there are any of the following symptoms: dyspnea on strenuous activities or when you lie down; rapid or irregular heartbeat; you always feel tired.

Know the causes

What causes ventricular septal defect?

The scientists have not yet figured out exact cause of the disease. While baby is still in womb, two ventricles are conjoined to each other, then septum is formed. If there is any problem with the septum formation, a gap will appear. This is a ventricular septal.

Know the risk factors

What increases my risk for ventricular septal defect?

Ventricular septal inherits in families and it sometimes occurs simultaneously with other genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. If you already have a child with a heart defect, genetic expert can talk to you about if the next baby is at risk of disease.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is ventricular septal defect diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose from physical examination results and symptoms. If the diagnosis is not clear, your doctor may order X-rays or an EKG to exclude possibility of other diseases.

How is ventricular septal defect treated?

Ventricular septal often closes or being closed by surgery in childhood, but it can also extend in adulthood. Those who have small defects or normally closed malformations would never have symptoms and do not need treatment. If defects last, you will need to be treated. If there is no other heart disease, overcoming ventricular septal gives you normal life.

Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies help manage ventricular septal defect?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with this disease:

Take medications as prescription;

See your doctor if you have symptoms of ventricular septal.

If you have any questions, Please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.