Ventricular Septal Defect
Alternate Names : VSD, Endocardial Cushion Defect
Ventricular septal defect, VSD, is a congenital defect of the heart, or one present at birth. There
is an abnormal opening in the wall that separates 2 chambers of the heart.
What is going on in the body?
The heart has 4 chambers. Two of
these chambers are called ventricles. The right ventricle and the left
ventricle are separated by a wall or septum. A defect or hole in this wall
causes blood to flow abnormally between these 2 chambers. Ventricular septal
defect is the most common congenital heart
disease.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Although the cause of ventricular septal defect is unknown, it is more common with:
infections in the pregnant woman, such as rubella
Down syndrome
alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, or diabetes in the pregnant woman
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