A physician usually first detects mild cases of VSD during a routine physical examination. VSD produces a characteristic heart murmur that a doctor can detect with a stethoscope. A Chest
x-ray and echocardiogram are the next step, and in rare cases cardiac catheterization may be necessary.
Since the hole might close, the doctor may first want to monitor the baby for several months, giving him or her medication to alleviate any of the symptoms. Medications might include diuretics to drain some of the excess fluid, and medication to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. If the hole is too large to be properly treated with medication, open heart surgery to patch it may be necessary.
