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Heart Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

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How is Ventricular Septal Defect Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Depending on the size and location of the ventricular septal defect (VSD), symptoms vary or may not be present. If your doctor suspects your child may have a VSD, they will perform a physical exam and imaging tests.
Imaging tests for VSD may include:

  • Heart murmur. Most often, a VSD will be discovered during the physical examination of an infant, specifically when the pediatrician uses a stethoscope to listen to the child’s heartbeat and detects an abnormal sound or murmur.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test measures the heart's electrical impulses and can determine the size of the chambers or ventricles. It can also help detect arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
  • Echocardiogram. An ultrasound test performed by a doctor or technician creates pictures of the heart to look for abnormalities.
  • Cardiac catheterization. By inserting a catheter into a major blood vessel and guiding it to the heart, a doctor can help determine the location and size of any heart defect.
  • Chest or heart X-ray.  If the heart defect is severe, an X-ray will show an enlarged heart and increased blood flow to the lungs. The CXR can also help diagnose lung damage when it has occurred.

How is Ventricular Septal Defect Treated?

Treatment

A ventricular septal defect is often too small to cause symptoms and will not require treatment. Doctors will monitor the child for any changes and stay alert to any symptoms that signal the VSD is enlarging or evolving. In cases of moderate or severe VSD where babies are symptomatic, treatment options include:

  • Surgery. The most common treatment for VSD is surgically patching the hole in the ventricular septum. This is usually accomplished with open-heart surgery and the use of general anesthesia. The doctor may close the hole with a fabric patch or stitch it shut.
  • Catheter procedure. Rarely, a catheterization procedure can be used to close the hole by inserting a special plug into the heart, avoiding the need for open heart surgery. The ability of the doctors to repair the defect in this way will depend on the defect’s location and the child’s size.
  • Medication. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of VSD. This is usually done in the case of medium-sized defects that could close spontaneously over time. This is not a substitute for the repair of a defect in larger VSDs.
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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Ventricular Septal Defect Care

The cardiac physicians at NewYork-Presbyterian are specially trained to diagnose and treat every kind of congenital heart defect, including ventricular septal defects. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experts.