Question

Pick a congenital heart defect and tell me about it

Answer 1

A congenital heart defect is a problem associated with the structures of the heart. It is present at birth.it can involve the walls of the heart, valves of the heart and arteries, and veins near to the heart. Some require treatment while some do not. One of the defects is Ventricular septal defect (VSD).

It is a birth defect, in which there is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart. In this type of defect, the blood flows from the left ventricle through the septal defect and flows into the right ventricle and into the lungs. This extra blood forces the lungs and the heart to work more. If not repaired it can lead to further complications.

Types of VSD based on where the hole is located.

1. conoventricluar ventricular septal defect (Hole is present where the ventricular septum meets)
2. perimembranous ventricular septal defect (hole in the upper section of the ventricular septum)
3. inlet ventricular septal defect( hole is present near the septum where the blood enters into the ventricles.)
4. muscular ventricular septal defect (hole in the muscular part of the septum)

Causes;

Unknown, changes in the genes or chromosomes

Diagnosis is done after the baby is born with the help of symptoms; and through ECHO and USG

Symptoms are;

• Shortness of breath
• fast or heavy breathing
• sweating
• tiredness while feeding
• poor weight gain
• physical examination reveals a wooshing sound

Treatments;

depends on the size of the hole.many of them closes by themselves as they are very small holes. If the holes are big and if it causes discomfort to the child then cardiac catheterization should be done or open-heart surgery.

Medicines; some need to strengthen the heart muscles, lower the blood pressure, and help the body get rid of extra fluid.

Nutritin; extra high calorie food