Ventricular septal defect or ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a heart disorder characterized by a gap or hole between the two chambers of the heart. Under normal conditions, there should be no holes or gaps between the two chambers of the heart.
Ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease. This condition can occur from 8 weeks of gestation, which is when the formation of the fetal heart takes place in the womb.
At the beginning of the formation of the heart, the left and right ventricles of the heart are still fused. As the fetus grows in the womb, a dividing wall (septum) between the two chambers will form. However, some conditions cause the walls to not form properly and leave a hole.
Ventricular septal defects cause the left ventricle of the heart to work harder to cause valve problems and heart failure.
Reason Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is caused by a disturbance in the process of forming the heart in the womb. This disorder causes the dividing wall between the right and left ventricles of the heart does not close completely.
It is not known exactly what triggers this disorder. However, genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the main factors that cause a person to suffer from this condition.
Although rare, ventricular septal defects are also a risk for adults. This condition can occur in people with a heart attack or as a result of a severe injury to the chest, such as a car accident.
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing a VSD, including:
- Have a family history of congenital heart disease.
- Suffering from genetic disorders, such as Down's Syndrome.
Symptom Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Symptoms of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) vary, depending on the size and location of the cleft in the heart, and the presence or absence of other underlying heart defects. This symptom is often difficult to detect when the baby is born, especially if the hole is small.
In some cases, this disorder sometimes shows no symptoms at all and only appears after the baby begins to enter childhood. In general, the symptoms of VSD in infants and children include:
- Easily tired when eating or playing
- Sweat a lot, especially when eating
- No appetite
- Difficult to gain weight
- Breathing fast and sounds heavy
- Skin looks pale
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult your child's doctor if symptoms of a ventricular septal defect appear as above, especially if they cause the following dangerous symptoms:
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Hard to breathe
- The skin looks blue around the lips and nails
If you experience symptoms, such as short and heavy breathing when exercising or lying down, fast and irregular heartbeat, and often feeling tired and feeling weak, immediately consult a doctor.
Diagnosis Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Pediatricians can diagnose a ventricular septal defect (VSD) after the baby is born. The doctor will use a stethoscope to detect a heart murmur or noise in the heart.
If you hear a heart murmur, the doctor will perform further examinations, which include:
- Cardiac echo, to determine the size, location, and severity of the VSD, and the presence or absence of other cardiac abnormalities, such as tetralogy of Fallot.
- Chest X-ray, to check the condition of the heart and lungs.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), to record and check the electrical activity of the heart.
- Cardiac catheterization, to check the condition of the heart directly from the inside.
- MRI, to detect the possibility of other heart defects.
Treatment Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Most babies born with small ventricular septal defects (VSDs) do not require surgery to close the opening. The doctor will only monitor the baby's condition and possible symptoms through regular checkups, and wait to see if the hole can close by itself.
If the ventricular septal defect is moderate to large and causes symptoms, surgery is the best way to treat this condition. Surgery is performed in the first few weeks or months after the baby is born. The following are some of the surgical methods that can be performed to treat VSDs:
Open heart surgery
This surgical procedure is performed by opening the chest cavity through an incision, then sewing the hole or slit in the heart. During the surgery and the suturing process takes place, the work of the heart and lungs will be temporarily stopped, and replaced by a machine called a heart-lung machine.
Catheterization procedure
In a cardiac catheterization procedure, the doctor will insert a thin tube or catheter into a blood vessel through the groin, and then it will be directed to the heart. The cardiologist will use a special net to close the hole.
Combined procedure (hybrid procedure)
In this procedure, a combination of open surgery and catheterization, the doctor will insert a catheter through a small incision in the chest and guide it to the heart. This procedure is done without having to stop the work of the heart temporarily.
Drugs
Apart from surgery, drug therapy is also done to help the heart function better. Some of the types of drugs given are:
- Diuretics, such as furosemide, to reduce excess fluid in the body so that the work of the heart becomes lighter.
- Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, to increase the strength of the heart muscle in pumping blood.
- ACE inhibitor, such as lisinopril and ramipril, to lower blood pressure so that the work of the heart becomes lighter.
Complications Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Small ventricular septal defects (VSDs) will not cause complications. However, this condition can be dangerous and even lead to death, if the hole between the chambers of the heart is medium to large.
If not treated immediately, a VSD can lead to complications, such as:
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- heart valve disease
- Endocarditis
Prevention Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is difficult to prevent because it generally occurs due to congenital factors. However, the risk of VSD can be lowered by living a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy so that the health and development of the fetus is maintained.
Steps that can be taken are:
- Perform routine pregnancy check-ups.
- Live a balanced diet by eating nutritious and nutritious foods.
- Do exercise regularly.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Not using drugs.
- Prevent infection by vaccinating before undergoing pregnancy.
