VSD Treatment

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a congenital birth defect of a human heart in which a defective septum has a hole between the bottom chambers. The septum is the partition between the chambers of the heart. Common symptoms of VSD are a heart murmur, bluish tint to fingernails or toenails, and poor feeding habits. Other symptoms may include a rapid heart rate and tiring easily. There are treatments available such as medication and surgery.

Medications

• There are three types of mediations used for VSD treatment. Beta blockers such as Lopressor or Inderal help to maintain a regular heartbeat. Digoxin or Lanoxin help to build contraction strength in the heart.

  Another approach used is diuretics such as furosemide or Lasix. These help to cut down the amount of fluid in the body's circulation. Decreasing the fluid allows for less blood to be pumped in the body, easing the stress of the heart.

Surgery Options

• A VSD can vary in size and so surgery is not always needed in patients with this condition. Almost one half of all VSDs close before the first year of age, due to maturation of the heart muscle fiber. This percentage rises to 75% by age two. Some may not close completely but do not need surgery due to their small size. The child will need follow-up care from the cardiologist to monitor the condition.

  Surgery for a large VSD is usually determined by such factors as pulmonary stress, growth of child, and iron-deficient anemia patients. The need for surgery will vary upon the patient's condition.

  There are two types of surgeries performed for closing of a VSD. The most common is the intra-cardiac technique in which the patient is hooked up to a heart-lung machine while open heart surgery is performed. It is considered the safer of the two.

  The "trans-catheter" approach is less evasive but needs expert doctors to insert the instruments through the large blood vessels in the heart. This procedure is used on select patients that would not be able to have open heart surgery. The outlook following surgery is excellent. There will be follow-up care with a cardiologist.

Prevention Treatments for Patients with a VSD

• In the past when patients with VSDs had specific surgical procedures or dental treatments it was recommended that they take an antibiotic before the procedure or treatment. The American Heart Association has changed the guidelines in 2007, when it was determined that the benefits of the antibiotic did not outweigh the risks of taking it.

  The list of patients needing an antibiotic includes those with other heart conditions or surgically implanted valves, an enlarged VSD causing low blood oxygen levels, and any prosthetic repairs. Patients or their guardians should consult with their doctors regarding use of antibiotics and VSD.