Ventricular septal defect

Alternative names:

interventricular septal defect; VSD

Definition:

A congenital defect of the heart, that occurs as an abnormal opening in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ventricular septal defect is the most common congenital heart disorder. In many children, the opening is very small, produces no symptoms, and will probably close on its own before the child is 18 years old. In more severe cases, heart failure may develop, requiring medical or surgical treatment.

This defect may also be associated with other heart defects. The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Prenatal factors that are associated with a higher than normal incidence of the disease include maternal rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy, poor prenatal nutrition, maternal alcoholism, maternal age over 40, and diabetes.