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InterActiveHealth Ventricular Septal Defect [VSD]

Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD is a defect in the wall of the heart that divides the Right and Left ventricles

Can be seen in newborns and make up almost 50% of all congenital heart defects of newborns

It is more often known as a congenital defect

Somewhat similar to Atrial Septal defect

Symptoms

  • Cardiac murmur
  • Increase cardiac pressure
  • Right sided heart failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cyanosis

Diagnosis

  • ECG is helpful in some cases depending on size
  • X-ray can be useful
  • Echocardiography/Doppler is essential to confirm the diagnosis
  • MRI and CT can often visualize the defect itself.

Treatment

  • Most ventricular septal defects resolve on their own  [spontaneously]

Medications:

  • Digoxin [Cardiac glycosides]
  • Furosemide [Loop Diuretic]
  • Captopril {ACE inhibitor]

Antibiotic treatment to limit possible Endocarditis

Surgery

Percutaneous closure devices if available

Look at the following video for further explanation:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-iiD6aeZOY

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