PECIFIC EXAMPLES OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: SEPTAL DEFECTS -VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT
This is an opening between the ventricles (the pumping chambers of the heart) that increases blood flow, under high pressure, to the lungs. Increased blood flow to the lungs overworks the heart; this may lead to high blood pressure in the lung arteries or congestive heart failure. If the defect is not repaired, eventually the blood shunts from the right to the left side of the heart, causing blueness from inadequate oxygen in the tissues.
Ventricular septal defect is the most common heart malformation, accounting for 25 percent of the cases of congenital heart disease. Almost 50 percent of all ventricular septal defects close by themselves without an operation, mostly during the first few months after birth, because they are small.
Small ventricular septal defects that do not cause symptoms usually do not require surgery, but people with ventricular septal defects should receive preventive antibiotics before dental and certain surgical procedures.
In children with large defects, major problems, including heart failure, may develop in early infancy. Treatment for these babies is aimed at controlling the heartfailure with drugs. If this is unsuccessful, surgery to close the defect is usually done before age 1 year. After successful closure, a normal life-style is usual.
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