Reviewed by Brian R. Robinson, MDVSD is a congenital heart disorder. VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) between the left and right ventricles. This hole causes blood to flow between the ventricles, usually from left to right, overstraining the lungs and right ventricle. The condition is similar to an atrial septal defect, but VSDs are less likely than ASDs to close on their own.
Illustrated by David DiAngelis Copyright © Body1, Inc.
The problem
In a healthy heart, blood passes from the left atrium to the left ventricle, which pumps it out of the heart to circulate throughout the body. After passing through all the organs, it enters the heart again in the right atrium. Then it passes to the right ventricle, which pumps it out to circulate through the lungs.
In a child with VSD, there is a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricle. This enables blood to flow between the ventricles. Because pressure is higher in the left side of the heart, blood usually flows from left to right. This leads to an excess of blood in the right side of the heart and in the lungs.
Last updated: Aug-14-07
