What is VSD?
Ventricular septum is the wall between the right and left ventricles. A VSD is the result of the incomplete development of the ventricular septum. This leaves a hole between the two ventricles causing problems with blood flow.
Ventricular Septal Defects are the most common congenital heart defect. This means that it is present at birth and mainly affect children.
The heart sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs and distributes oxygenated blood throughout the body. With the hole, the blood flow becomes abnormal resulting in the mixing of the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the left ventricle. This causes less oxygenated blood to be pumped throughout the body.
Symptoms
Disclaimer: This is not to medically diagnose anyone and is for educational purposes only.
The lack of oxygen causes symptoms including:
Fatigue
Rapid and Heavy breathing
The failure to thrive and grow
Cyanosis - Bluish skin due to the lack of oxygen in tissues
The presence and severity of these symptoms depend on the size of the defect.
Normal Heart Blood Flow
VSD heart blood flow