Ventricular septal defects

Childhood Illnesses - Hole in the Heart

A ventricular septal defect is a common heart defect most often present at birth. It involves a hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers.

How Often Does Hole In The Heart Occur?

What Are The Symptoms That A Child Has A Hole In The Heart?

Some significant defects are symptomatic soon after birth i.e. baby may be breathless, blue or not feeding well.

Is It Possible To Miss A Heart Defect In The First Month Of Life?

That is possible because some remain asymptomatic, while others have murmurs which become more obvious after 3 to 6 weeks of life.

What Tests Can Be Done To Make A Diagnosis?

The simple tests include a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram

Can The Defect Be Detected Before The Child Is Born?

Antenatal ultrasound can be used to look at the heart at about 12 weeks onwards to look for heart defects.

What Are The Options If A Defect Is Diagnosed Antenatally?

Depending on the type of defect, the stage of pregnancy, the philosophy of parents, their religious beliefs and family support, a decision is made to carry on to term or to terminate the pregnancy.

What Kind Of Complications Can Occur With Holes In The Heart?

Many  small ventricular septal defects close on their own. Medium or larger VSDs may need surgical to prevent complications.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) symptoms in a baby may include:

 Poor eating, failure to thrive

 Fast breathing or breathlessness

 Tires easily when eating or playing

 Is not gaining weight

 Becomes breathless when eating or crying

                                                   Breathes rapidly or is short of breath

It's important to do everything possible to have a healthy pregnancy. Here are the basics:

Get early prenatal care

Eat a balanced diet

Exercise regularly

Avoid risks

Avoid infections

Keep diabetes under control

Avoid Smoking

Although it's tempting for parents to be overly protective, sheltering kids can make them feel isolated and stigmatized — which might do more harm than a heart defect in the long run. So do everything you can to make sure your child leads as normal a life as possible.