Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a type of congenital heart defect that affects the structure of the heart. It is a hole in the wall, called the septum, that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles.

In a healthy heart, the ventricles are separated by a thick wall of muscle called the interventricular septum, which prevents blood from flowing between the two chambers. However, in individuals with a VSD, there is an opening in this wall, allowing blood to flow between the ventricles.

The severity of a VSD can vary, depending on the size of the hole and its location in the septum. Small VSDs may not cause any symptoms and may even close on their own over time. However, 

 larger VSDs can lead to an increased workload on the heart, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and an increased risk of developing complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and infection.

Treatment for a VSD typically involves repairing the hole through a surgical procedure or a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. In some cases, individuals with small VSDs may not require any treatment but will need to be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider.