Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
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Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Oct 2004
The family doctor just told us that my 3 month old son has an
abnormal heart murmur and has referred him to a cardiologist.
The doctor thinks it might be Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).
I'm really worried about my baby and how his heart might affect
his growth. What signs should I look for? How are babies
affected with VSD? Has any baby had to get a heart surgery for
VSD?
Worried Parent
Please don't worry! My 6 month old son was diagnosed with a heart murmur at 2
days old. After the echocardiogram it was discovered that he had 2 holes - one
within the heart (not recalling the proper term) which was attributed to the muscle
fibers having not finished closing up and the VSD. When he returned to the
cardiologist at 2 months the higher hole was gone and the VSD was much, much
smaller. The cardiologist said that you cannot hear the murmur at all and before
the echocardiogram was invented they would have considered him cured. We go
back when he is 2 years old and the doctor said he would be surprised if it was still
there. If it IS still there, the only way his life would be affected is that he would
need
to take antibiotics when getting his teeth cleaned.
If your baby is nursing without sweating and generally looks like a healthy baby (no
blue fingernails/lips) it sounds like you are in the same situation. My dr. was great
- said there is no reason why he shouldn't play competetive sports (unless he
inherited my genes, that is) even if the VSD never fully closes up. I also found it
reassuring to have that second test done so he could see that the hole was very
much on the mend - gives me hope and peace of mind as we head towards the 2
year check up. My son is now 6 months, over 20lbs and almost 29'' long, so I think
that the VSD has had no effect on his development thus far. Good luck!
catherine
Hi,
I know how scared and upset you must be right now, but try not to worry, as your
worry about the visit with your cardiologist will be communicated to your child (no
matter how hard you try not to!). I recommend, if you can, that you see Dr. Kishor
Avasarala at Children's Hospital in Oakland, as he is the warmest, kindest, and best
kids' heart doctor!! It is important to remember now that your child cannot be
diagnosed at all without an EKG and echocardiogram, and that your pediatrician
cannot tell you what exactly is causing the murmur. Many conditions that cause
murmur do not require surgery, but again, many do. Try to breathe through this
until you know for sure what is going on with your baby's heart.
VSDs often require heart surgery, which the team at Children's does VERY WELL.
They are absolutely wonderful, and their surgeons--particularly Dr. Frank Hanley--
are world class. They will answer all your questions and concerns, and will help put
you in touch with other families who have faced similar ordeals. Bear in mind that
surgery for many VSDs is straightforward, and often result in just patching the hole
and require no further surgery.
Take good care of yourself and your baby, and try to breathe as much as you can.
elizabeth
I don't have a child with a ventricular septal defect, but I
was born with a VSD and still have it. In my case the doctors
thought I would have to have heart surgery to repair it by the
time I was 2 years old, but the medical wisdom changed before I
hit my second birthday and no surgery was done. Mine is very
small and it has never caused me any problems at all - I take
antibiotics before I go to the dentist and I have an EKG every
five or ten years to check on it. When I was very young I had
EKGs more often. I think the seriousness of this condition can
vary, but I wanted to let you know that it isn't an
automatically bad diagnosis. Incidentally, I am now 34 and
pregnant with my first child, and my heart murmur isn't having
any impact at all. Mostly I forget that I have it. Best of
luck to you and your child.
Al
I am in no way a expert in heart murmurs, but I know how scary
this diagnosis can be, as my oldest son has a VSD. In our
case, after tests with cardiologists at Children's, they
determined that he had a tiny VSD, and that no surgery was
necessary. He is a healthy, active 8 year old now, and can
participate in all sports, etc., with no restrictions
whatsoever on his physical activity. The only lifestyle change
is that he must take antibiotics before dental appointments.
Of course, you won't know what your situation is until you see
a specialist, but I hope it's of some comfort to know that a
VSD is not always something that needs to be repaired
surgically. Good luck to you and your family!
Kim
2000
My daughter just had a brand new baby boy. This joyous occasion has been
marred by the discovery that the baby has VSD and faces almost certain
heart surgery. The size and location of his hole makes it unlikely it
will close by itself. I'd like to know if there is anyone out there who
has faced this problem and hear your experiences with it. It's very
scary, but I hear it's not altogether uncommon.
Thanks.
I am a pediatric nurse with years of experience of taking care of
children following cardiac surgery. A VSD is one of the least
dangerous conditions to have, although surgery is a must, to
prevent further problems. The baby will have a long surgery
requiring heart/lung by-pass, and will come out of surgery looking
very scary, with a tube in every orifice. However, do not be
alarmed. Gradually each tube will be removed, over the next few
days and the baby will wake up very hungry. The incision is mid
sternal, and not as painful as it looks as there is very little
muscle in that area. However, the baby will receive plenty of pain
medication throughout the whole event, and will feel quite
comfortable. The baby should go on to lead a normal life, and
require no further surgery. Extra anti biotics may have to be
taken for dental/surgical procedures later in life, also keep away
from people with infections. If you have any more questions, I
would be happy to answer any that I can. But overall, this is a
very successful surgery, leaving no side effects, with a quick
recovery.
Paula
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson! I know it's hard to hear any news of a
birth defect but wanted to share my own experience in hopes of alleviating unnecessary
worry. I was born with a VSD in 1963, and while it is serious, I've had a very
normal, active life. I am told that had I been born 20 or more years later surgery
definitely would have been recommended, but at the time it was considered very risky
and my family would have had to raise money to pay for it had they decided it was the
best thing to do despite the risk. Each year during childhood I went to a major
hospital for a thorough cardiology appointment. I remember kind of enjoying it as I
got to visit many different parts of the hopsital, and see all kinds of fancy
equipment. I am still followed every other year, and I take antibiotics for dental
work. I did get bacterial endocarditis as a senior in high school, and this is really
the biggest concern one has with an uncorrected VSD. I am also watched carefully
during pregnancy (which
obviously won't be an issue for your grandson!) But otherwise I am
healthy, active, adventurous and happy (I'm a runner, backcountry hiker, was a serious
dancer as a kid, and have hiked long distances in high altitudes with no problem--for
example in Tibet at 17,000 feet). I imagine that if your grandson has the surgery,
he will be able to lead a fully active life without the concern about endocarditis.
I know that surgery on an infant or young child will be very scary, but it is my
understanding that this surgery is now considered rather routine and is quite safe
when performed on young ones (it's riskier during adulthood apparently). Also, I was
a great treat in science classes when everyone lined up to listen to my very loud
heart murmur. But, with surgery, I guess your grandson's murmur will go away?! I
think that my attitude about the VSD was probably influenced most by the honest,
positive and normalizing attitudes of my doctors and parents. I saw the VSD as
something interesting, and to be watched and respected (I never once tried a cigarette
on the advice of my
pediatric cardiologists!), but not as a limitation. So, I guess my advice to your
daughter would be to find doctors with excellent medical training and whom you also
like as human beings as you may have a longterm relationship with them. And don't
worry too much! My very best wishes to you, your grandson and the rest of your
family!
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