VSD is the short form for Ventricular Septal Defect. It is a condition in which an opening or hole (defect) in the wall (septum) of the heart separates the two lower chambers (left ventricle and right ventricle). This is a prevalent septal defect in children. However, it could also be present in the heart of adults, especially those who have a history of heart surgery or heart attacks.
This article aims to help you understand VSD and provide relevant information regarding its symptoms, VSD treatment costs in India, etc.
Common Symptoms of VSD
There are various types of VSDs. Therefore, the symptoms of VSD vary from person to person depending upon the type of VSD present. However, some common symptoms of the condition are:
- Shortness of breath
- Fast or heavy breathing
- Sweating
- Tiredness while eating
- Poor weight gain
- Murmur sound when checked by Stethoscope
Effects of VSD on the Heart and the Body
To understand how VSD occurs, you first need to know how a normal heart works.
The heart is a vital organ of our circulatory system, and its primary function is to pump blood to different parts of the body. The right side of the organ has two chambers – the right atrium and right ventricle – which deal with deoxygenated blood. Deoxygenated means the blood which contains carbon dioxide (CO2). This blood is pumped to the lungs for purification.
The left side of the human heart also has two chambers – the left atrium and left ventricle. This side deals with oxygenated blood or oxygen-rich blood and is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to other body parts for the proper functioning of all the organs.
Anyone who has a heart with a hole or a defect between the left ventricle and right ventricle is said to have VSD. This hole between the left and right ventricle allows oxygenated blood to mix with deoxygenated blood. When this mixed blood reaches the lungs, it makes the lungs and heart work harder, and the lungs can also become congested.
The hole or defect in a VSD patient can be small or large. Also, there can be more than one hole or defect. While a heart with a minor defect will make a murmuring sound, a large hole can cause heavy and fast breathing. Visiting a physician and getting a proper diagnosis can help understand the defect and provide the patient with a treatment plan.
Other VSD Related Heart Problems
Patients having heart-related issues, including VSD, are often at risk of endocarditis or inflammation of the heart valve. It is generally defined as the infection of the heart’s inner lining and occurs when germs travel from outside of the body to the heart.
Endocarditis can be prevented by surgery after the successful completion of VSD surgery. The minimum duration between endocarditis surgery and VSD surgery is six months. However, your cardiologist is the one to decide when you should go through the surgery.
VSD Treatment
If the hole or defect in your heart is small, there is no need for surgery. Generally, it will close on its own. Also, it is least likely to have any adverse effect on the health of your heart or lungs. However, it is advised to consult a cardiologist before making any decision.
Contrary to a small VSD, if the hole is large, it can adversely affect your heart and lungs, as discussed above. But, this complication can be treated with the help of open-heart surgery, where a patch is added between the two ventricles (left and right) to prevent oxygenated and deoxygenated blood from mixing.
How to take care of a VSD patient?
- Medical Checkups
A VSD patient is advised to go for regular medical checkups with a cardiologist. If the defect or hole has closed as a child, it is recommended to visit a cardiologist every couple of years.
- Medications
Medication is needed only for those patients having other heart-related issues. Otherwise, no such medication is required for the VSD condition alone. However, only a cardiologist can tell you better after monitoring your heart’s condition.
- Physical activities
Most patients with VSD or other heart problems can lead ordinary lives. However, in the case of pulmonary hypertension, some physical activities should be avoided. Once you visit a cardiologist, they will be able to determine best if you need to limit physical activities or not.
- Endocarditis Prevention
According to the American Heart Association, unrepaired VSD doesn’t require endocarditis prevention. However, after the treatment of VSD, preventive treatment is needed after six months.
- Pregnancy
Once a VSD is successfully closed, any risk in pregnancy is low. However, it is advised to consult your cardiologist before taking such a step.
VSD Treatment Cost in India
VSD treatment cost in India varies from hospital to hospital. But, generally, it is somewhere from 1.5 lakhs rupees to 2.9 lakhs rupees.
Conclusion
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a rare disease with less than 1 million cases every year in India. Yet, the advancement in medical science has made our country a world-class treatment provider for the condition. In addition, the VSD treatment cost in India is comparatively low and affordable.
