Ventricular Septal Defect In Children – All You Need To Know
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A Ventricular Septal Defect is a congenital heart disorder that can cause many complications for a child. So, if your child tires easily, pants due to breathlessness, and does not seem to gain any weight, you should seek immediate medical aid. Chances are he could suffer from the disorder, or it might be another condition. In the meanwhile, read our post below for some more information about Ventricular Septal Defect.
What Is The Structure Of A Human Heart?
As Ventricular Septal Defect is a heart disorder, so before you understand the disorder, let’s talk about the structure of the human heart.
The heart is divided into four parts or chambers: Left Auricle or Atrium, Left Ventricle, Right Auricle or Atrium and Right Ventricle. Also, there is a wall like muscular structure that divides the Right Atrium from the Left one and is called the Atrial Septum. Similarly, the Left Ventricle is separated by the Right Ventricle and Ventricular Septum.
What Is A Ventricular Septal Defect?
In an infant, there is a small opening in the atrium wall that closes after the child-birth. Also, there is no such opening in the ventricular septum. However, some infants are born with an opening in the ventricular septum that is an inborn defect in the heart. It is this opening that is the “Hole in the Heart”.
How Does It Affect The Normal Heart Function?
Due to the Septal opening, oxygenated blood from the Left Ventricle mixes with the deoxygenated or oxygen deficient blood on the Right Ventricle. Also, when the two mix, there is an extra sound, or a heart murmur. If your child has a Ventricular Septal Defect then the doctor will easily recognize the heart murmur while checking heartbeat with a stethoscope.
Causes Of Ventricular Septal Defect In Children:
There are no specific causes for this congenital heart defect. However, Ventricular Septal disorder is one of the most widespread congenital heart diseases to affect infants. Also, the diameter of the septal opening varies in different cases.
[ Read: Congenital Heart Disease In Kids ]
Symptoms Of Ventricular Septal Defect In Children:
The the most common Ventricular Septal Defect symptoms include:
1. Low Birth Weight:
The infant will be born with a lower than the normal birth weight, if there is a Septal Defect in the child.
2. Tiredness:
Children, who suffer from a Ventricular Septal Defects, often tire easily. They become fatigued, while doing tasks that require minimal physical effort.
3. No Weight Gain:
Kids who suffer from Ventricular Septal Defect are usually thin and appear weak. They do not gain weight in comparison to their normal and healthier friends.
4. Irregular Heart Beat:
Heart murmurs are a common phenomenon for kids having this disorder. Also, irregular heart beat pattern is also a symptom of the disorder.
[ Read: Heart Murmur In Children ]
5. Breathlessness:
Children who suffer from this disease fall short of breath during physical work. They either breathe too fast or become breathless while doing any physical activity.
Diagnosing Ventricular Septal Defect In Children:
If your child is suffering from Ventricular Septal Defect, then the doctor will diagnose this disorder in the following ways:
1. Physical Examination:
As stated above, the heart murmur is a clear indication of a heart disorder. If the child has a Septal opening, then the extra sound in the heart beat says it all.
2. X-Ray:
An X-Ray test also provides a clear picture of the Ventricular Septal Defect in the heart.
3. ECG Or Electrocardiogram:
ECG report also gives detailed information of any type of congenital heart disease.
4. Echocardiogram:
If the doctor is unable to figure out the Ventricular Septal defect by any of the above methods, then he refer your child for an Echocardiogram test.
Treating Ventricular Septal Defect In Children:
Though the doctors usually check, whether the heart hole will close naturally as the child ages, in some cases they suggest medical help as well. If your child has this congenital heart defect, then depending upon the size of the opening, your doctor will either suggest you with ventricular septal defect surgery or medicines to remove the disorder.
Surgical Methods:
Doctors usually go for a surgical treatment to close the Ventricular Septal opening to prevent damage to the heart valves in future. Following are the types of surgical methods to treat this disorder:
1. Open-Heart Surgery:
The doctors undertake an open-heart surgery to close the opening. This method involves stitching the hole to close it. The operation is carried out by giving doses of general Anesthesia to the patient. Also, the heart-lung machine is used to ensure normal functioning of the heart during surgery.
2. Catheter Treatment:
Catheter treatment does not require surgery. Rather, the cardiologist inserts a catheter in the blood vessels of the child and directs it all the way up to the heart. Later on, the doctor uses a mesh-like membrane to close the septal hole or opening.
3. Hybrid Treatment:
Hybrid treatment involves both the above treatment methods i.e. surgery as well as Catheter.
Though, there are different methods to close the septal opening. However, after undergoing any of the treatment procedures, the patient needs to be in regular touch with the doctor. So, if your child has undergone surgery or any other ventricular septal defect treatment procedure then do take him to your cardiologist for regular follow-ups to avoid complications.
[ Read: Atrial Septal Defect In Children ]
Medications For Ventricular Septal Defect In Children:
1. For Normal Heart Contractions:
If your child has a septal opening, then he will have to take medicines to increase the strength of heart. These medicines are essential for normal heart contractions.
2. Diuretic Drugs:
Doctors suggest diuretic drugs to such patients, to reduce the fluid content in the blood.
3. Medications:
If your kid has a heart opening, then his cardiologist will also prescribe some medicines to ensure normal heart beat functioning.
Did your child suffer from congenital heart defect of Ventricular Septum? What treatment did the doctor suggest him? How long did it take him to recover? Share your story with other mommies. Leave a comment below.
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