Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a condition where there is a hole in the wall (septum) between the right and left ventricles of the heart. This hole allows blood to flow between the two chambers. It is the most common type of congenital heart defect, accounting for about 20–30% of all cases. It is even more common if small muscular defects that often close on their own during infancy are included.

1. Perimembranous VSD (PM VSD) 

PM VSD is a type of VSD located near the heart valves — specifically beneath the tricuspid and aortic valves.

It is the most common form of VSD, and in some cases, it may close on its own over time.

Although complications such as aortic valve prolapse or aortic regurgitation (leakage of the aortic valve) can occur, these are less common than in subarterial types of VSD.

2. Subarterial VSD (SA VSD)

This type of VSD is located in the uppermost part of the septum. The upper edge of the defect is formed by the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, with no muscle tissue separating them — the two valves are directly next to each other. Unlike other types of VSD, this defect usually does not close on its own. It can lead to complications such as aortic valve prolapse or aortic regurgitation.

3. Muscular VSD 

The edges of the defect are completely surrounded by the muscle tissue of the ventricular septum.

Small VSDs usually cause no symptoms and are often found by chance during a check-up because of a heart murmur. In contrast, large VSDs can cause symptoms of heart failure early in life. 

Babies may sweat, breathe rapidly, and have difficulty during feeding — they often take breaks, eat only small amounts, and gain weight slowly. They are also more prone to frequent respiratory infections and other complications.