Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)in Infants; Know Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and more

Recently, actress Bipasha Basu revealed in an interview how her newborn baby daughter Devi was diagnosed with two holes in her heart, and she was devastated by the news. Bipasha recently talked about how her daughter Devi Basu Singh Grover’s congenital heart issue made pregnancy difficult for her and Karan Singh Grover. According to the actress, she learned that Devi had a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and had two holes in her heart on the third day after becoming a mother. 

What is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Talking about VSD, the ventricular septal defect is a common congenital heart defect caused by an abnormal hole in the septum, which divides the two lower chambers of the heart. From small holes that may seal on their own to bigger ones that need medical attention, this issue can range in severity. The hole in the heart’s septum can be closed surgically or with catheter-based procedures for final treatment, however, medications can assist control symptoms and related consequences. For newborns with VSD, regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is essential to guarantee effective management and the best results. 

VSD Symptoms

VSD symptoms can range widely depending on the extent of the lesion. Small VSDs may occasionally go undetected and eventually close on their own as the kid gets older. However, bigger VSDs may result in symptoms that are more noticeable. These include:

Rapid breathing or shortness of breath

Fatigue and difficulty in feeding (in infants)

Sweating, especially during feeding

Poor weight gain

Frequent lung infections or respiratory issues

Bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails due to reduced oxygen levels

VSD Causes

VSD is primarily a congenital disorder, which means it exists from birth. It can be caused by genetic causes, environmental effects, or a mix of both during the heart’s formation in the foetus. Although the precise cause of VSD isn’t always known, some risk factors, such as maternal alcohol intake or the use of specific drugs while pregnant, may raise the chance that it will happen.

Treatments

The extent of the defect, the intensity of the symptoms, and the patient's general health all play a role in the VSD treatment. A team of medical specialists will make the treatment decision based on a comprehensive review of the patient’s condition.

Observation

Keeping an eye on minor VSDs that aren’t producing any noticeable symptoms can be helpful. These minor problems might occasionally close by themselves with time.

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention may be necessary for larger VSDs that are producing symptoms or possible problems. The surgeon uses a patch or sutures to seal the septum’s hole during this treatment.

Catheter-based Procedures

The VSD can sometimes be closed with less invasive techniques involving catheters. For some sorts of issues, this strategy works especially well.

Open-Heart Surgery

If there are other cardiac problems that need to be treated at the same time, severe instances may necessitate open-heart surgery.