All you need to know about ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect is basically a commonly found heart condition which is congenital which means it is present at birth. In this condition the Infant is born with a hole in the heart that usually occurs in the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart which are the ventricles. Due to VSD the blood flow through the heart and the lungs changes. In this the oxygen rich blood gets pumped back to the lungs this also causes increase in blood pressure in the lungs that requires the heart to work harder in order to pump the blood. VSD can be minor or measured depending upon the size of the whole in many cases small VSD it closes on its own naturally, with time. Whereas medium or large VSD require immediate surgery in order to prevent any major complication or life threatening condition. 

Symptoms:

The symptoms usually depend upon the extent of the heart problem which means the size of the hole that is present in the heart. It is possible that in cases of small VSD one may not show any warning signs of symptoms. Commonly found symptoms for vsd in a baby may include:

●        Poor eating

●        Slow physical growth

●        Rapid or fast breathing

●        Breathlessness

●        Weakness

●        Irregular heartbeat

●         Whooshing sound or heart murmur

●        Inability  to do any physical

●        Sweating during feeding

●        Frequent respiratory infections

●        Fatigue during feeding

●        Pale or bluish skin and lips

●        Prone to infection 

Cause:

Generally, it is seen that VSD is caused as the heart is not fully developed  while the baby is in the womb. The wall that separates the two ventricles does not form completely leaving a hole behind.  As per today, the exact cause of vsd is unknown however it can occur due to other heart conditions or genetic disorders as well. Also, according to cardiac specialists in Jaipur, drinking alcohol and taking medication that consist of sodium valproate and phenytoin during pregnancy increases the risk of having VSD.  

Risk factor for developing VSD

There can be various risk factors due to which a child is born with ventricular septal defect ; some of these risk factor may include:

●        Premature birth

●        Poor development

●        Down syndrome

●        Family history of heart problems

●        Genetic conditions

●        Also infants born with VSD may also have other heart diseases such as

●        Patent ductus arteriosus

●        Atrial septal defect

●        Patent ductus arteriosus

●        Tetralogy of fallot

●        Coarctation of aorta 

Preventive measures:

Since, the exact cause of VSD is generally not known therefore it is necessary to get the required prenatal care from the best heart hospital in Jaipur in order to prevent various diseases including VSD.

Getting early prenatal care when you are planning a baby is one of the great advantages as a doctor can analyze your health and lifestyle. Doctor can

 analyze the health of the mother and recommend medicines and Lifestyle changes for a healthy pregnancy.

Avoiding alcohol is one of the most important things during pregnancy as it increases the risk of several diseases including congenital heart defects and VSD.

Maintaining a healthy diet is also important for both the parents when you are planning a baby so that your body is in healthy condition and produces healthy eggs and sperm. Also, one should try to maintain a healthy diet by consuming a well balanced diet during the pregnancy and after the delivery as well.

Avoid smoking or consumption of any kind of drugs as it may impact the development of the fetus or increase the risk of congenital heart defects.

Maintaining good health is necessary and if you have any chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid then he must try to keep it under control by consulting the best cardiologist in Jaipur. As it can help in maintaining good health and it may also decrease the risk of heart problems as well.

Also, it is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications before planning a baby. As  the medicines can induce developmental changes in the child.