Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect, which results from a hole in the wall that separates the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). In babies, it causes poor eating, failure to thrive, breathlessness, and easy tiring.
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Are children with VSD more prone to infections?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a 6 week old child with a VSD. He has had nasal congestion for over a week and developed wet cough 3 to 4 days ago. Since then, it has alternated between being wet and dry. His nasal mucus has continued to be present. He grunts or yells sometimes when he coughs and coughs 3 or 4 ti... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concerns. Children who have ventricular septal defect (VSD) are more prone to infections. If the size of VSD is large, then a small infection like cough for few days can also result in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Since your child g... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor,My sister is six months pregnant. She did 3D sonography, and the doctor told her the baby has a hole in the heart. Can the baby's hole recover independently, or is surgery required?Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.Thank you for your query.I understand your concern. If the baby has only one heart hole, it is better to see if it can be corrected. If it is life-threatening, we can also do it after birth. Kindly do not go for fetal surgery, as it is complicated. I hope this has helped... Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor, I was born with a hole in my heart (ventricular septal defect) and a murmur. I never had it closed, and the hole is small now. In my late thirties, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, as my heart kept suddenly speeding up (it took a while because it was not constant, so I had a loop... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. It seems you have episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as per your history. It will have been better if you have uploaded ECG (electrocardiogram). Tablet Flecainide is used for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in an otherwise normal hea... Read Full »
Though my tests are normal, why am I having palpitations and chest pain?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 18 years old. I have been a competitive athlete in my whole life. About a year ago, I started experiencing palpitations, near syncopal episodes, and chest pain. I have seen three cardiologists. I have had a bicycle stress test, limited echocardiogram looking at just the thickness of ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your health issues do not show a relationship to your cousin's health problems because most babies do not survive more than a year with treatment in a case of ALCA (anomalous left coronary artery). Studies have shown that patients with Goldenhar syndrome (birth ... Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor,I did an echocardiography of my two-month-old baby last year. First, a ventricular septal defect of six millimeters was found. Then we have done next echocardiography this year, and the ventricular septal defect increased to eight millimeters.Baby is now five months old, and his weight is ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. A ventricular septal defect usually closes by the age of two years and even up to ten years. The ventricular septal defect is not causing left ventricle or right ventricle enlargement. Still, the issue of concern in this echocardiography rep... Read Full »
How does congenital heart disease affect pregnancy?
Query: Hi doctor, My wife is pregnant now with nearly 10 weeks. She has congenital heart disease, so I need some clarity from you for getting the successful delivery. All reports including echo and ultrasound scan report are attached here for your reference. Importantly, she has not got any symptoms till ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your wife's reports, she is having perimembranous vsd (ventricular septal defect) and severe pulmonary stenosis (PS). But, she does not have any complaints. Patients with severe PS will mostly tolerate pregnancy and 8 mm vsd will not be a concern. ... Read Full »
How to treat ventricular septal defect in a newborn child?
Query: Hello doctor, My newborn child was detected with heart-related issues. Could you please help me understand the severity? Please suggest further treatment. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Sorry to hear about your child's heart condition. Congenital heart disease is quite common amongst many children. To be able to tell you the severity, you should mention what is the exact condition that the doctor told is wrong with your child. So, I can tell you what... Read Full »
Will I die if my ECG tells I may have ASD or VSD?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 24-year-old male. I do not have a history of the disease. I am currently on Lexapro 10 mg. I have done my ECG and lipid profile tests done. Does this ECG suggest an ASD or VSD? What is my life expectancy if I have one and I get it repaired? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is not a specific test for both defects. For this reason, I recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound to examine your health function and structure. I hope you will find this information helpful. Kind regards. Read Full »
My 6-year-old brother has a minute hole in his heart. What to do?
Query: Hi doctor, My cousin brother, who is 6 years old, has a minute hole of 2 mm in his heart. Sometimes, he takes a deep breath and is feeble by birth. His birth was a C-section. His father also has some chronic heart disease. His father's sister passed away because of heart disease. All the necessary t... Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.Your brother is suffering from congenital heart disease. It is most likely it can be an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) or patent ductus arteriosus.I would suggest you get a 2D echo done. It will help us locate the exact cause and location ... Read Full »
What could cause bluish discoloration in a 3-year-old baby?
Query: Hello doctor, My daughter is 4 years old. She has been having blue spells since she was 9 months old. It occurs for about 20- 45 minutes. The left ventricle murmur was found when she was 3 years old. She goes blue around the mouth, lips, nail beds when the capillary refill is delayed. And sometimes... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for sharing her picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Please avoid worry. She will be fine. Based on your explanation, her symptoms are consistent with congenital heart disease. They often present with these symptoms. These def... Read Full »