It is an abnormal connection between the two pumping chambers of the heart since birth.

Because of the presence of hole, the blood leaks from high pressure chamber (left ventricle) to low pressure chamber (right ventricle) and there is excessive flow of blood to the lungs and then again back into left chamber of the heart. This results into increase in the pressure of vessels of lungs (pulmonary hypertension) and hypertrophy of right ventricle. In extreme cases, because of high pressure in the right ventricle the flow through the hole becomes reversed, and patient becomes blue (because impure blood circulating through the systemic circulation). This is called isenmenger syndrome.

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid heart rate (pulse)

• Frequent respiratory tract infection

• Difficulty in feeding and failure to thrive

Symptoms vary and its time of presentation depends on the size of defect. Large defects needs attention in childhood. Again patients with small defect may grow well into adult hood without much problem.

Certain percentages of children with small VSD do not need surgery. VSDs, which are situated in the muscular part of the septum, may close of its own. Very small VSDs that do not produce too much damage to the lungs can be left alone without much risk.      

But if the defect is large it needs surgical attention. When the pressure  is very high in the beginning, pulmonary artery banding may be necessary in the beginning to reduce the pressure before corrective surgery is undertaken. The defect is closed by open heart surgery using a Dacron patch. Long term is good after VSD Closure.