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A ventricular septal defect, or VSD, is a condition where there is a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, present from birth. It's the most common congenital heart defect and can occur alongside other heart issues. A small hole usually causes minor or no symptoms, but a larger one may require repair to prevent lasting damage and complications.
Ventricular septal defects (VSD) occur in around one-third of 1% of newborns, but it's less likely for adults to be diagnosed since the defect often closes naturally during childhood in 90% of cases. VSDs linked to heart attacks are exceptionally rare nowadays, with less than 1% of all heart attacks being associated with them, thanks to modern treatment methods.
The exact cause of ventricular septal defects (VSD) at birth remains unknown. However, it can be associated with other heart defects, heart conditions, or genetic disorders. The use of specific anti-seizure medications (sodium valproate and phenytoin) or alcohol consumption during pregnancy may potentially elevate the risk of a child developing VSD, although further research is needed to establish these as definite causes.
A rare known cause of VSD is its occurrence as a side effect of a heart attack.
Ventricular septal defects (VSD) come in four main types, each differing in location and hole structure:
- Membranous: This is the most common, constituting about 80% of cases. It occurs in the upper part of the ventricular wall.
- Muscular: Found in approximately 20% of VSD cases in infants, this type often involves multiple holes in the heart wall.
- Inlet: Positioned just below the tricuspid valve in the right ventricle and the mitral valve in the left ventricle, blood passing through the ventricles must navigate this type of VSD.
- Outlet (conoventricular): Creating a hole just before the pulmonary valve in the right ventricle and before the aortic valve in the left ventricle, this type connects the two chambers, requiring blood to pass through the VSD on its way through both valves.
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