Ventricular Septal Defect in newborns: Causes and symptoms of heart murmurs in babies, how they heal

What is Ventricular Septal Defect: Most parents worry when they hear the word ‘defect,’ but a small VSD is often nothing more than a tiny gap that nature takes care of, say experts (Image: Canva)

A baby’s heart begins to form just weeks after conception, and while most hearts develop perfectly, congenital heart defects remain the most common birth anomalies. Among these, a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD, a hole in the wall separating the heart's lower chambers, accounts for about 20 percent of all congenital cardiac defects.

A VSD is a gap in the septum, the wall dividing the heart’s two ventricles. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs, says Dr Ashutosh Marwah, Director of Paediatric Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi. “The causes of VSD aren’t always clear, but they are often linked to abnormal development of the heart during early pregnancy. Genetic factors and environmental influences, such as maternal infections or diabetes, can play a role,” he says.

Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect:

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The impact of a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) largely depends on its size, ranging from small, often harmless holes to larger ones that require closer attention. “Small VSDs are typically asymptomatic, discovered during routine checkups due to a heart murmur, an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope,” Dr Marwah says, adding that these are usually diagnosed with echocardiography and, in most cases, close on their own over time.

Can ventricular septal defect close on its own?

Children with small VSDs typically require no specific treatment. “However, they should be monitored every 2-3 years until the hole closes. Most parents worry when they hear the word ‘defect,’ but a small VSD is often nothing more than a tiny gap that nature takes care of. Moderate VSDs, on the other hand, may present with symptoms like a faster heart rate and poor weight gain during infancy,” he says.

Regular monitoring in such cases is crucial, suggests Dr Marwah. "If the hole persists beyond 2-3 years or starts to affect the child’s growth, we consider closure, either through a catheter-based procedure or surgery, before complications arise.”

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Large VSDs, however, create a significant left-to-right blood flow, raising pulmonary artery pressure and leading to more obvious symptoms from early infancy. Babies with large VSDs often experience a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, poor feeding (as they tire quickly while nursing), sweating over the head during feeds, poor weight gain, and recurrent chest infections.

“For large VSDs, early intervention is key to preventing heart failure and ensuring healthy lung development. With today’s medical advancements, even these more serious defects have excellent outcomes with timely care,” says Dr Marwah.

Recognising these symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can make a world of difference in managing the condition.

Ventricular Septal Defect treatment options:

Diagnosis of a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is confirmed through echocardiography, a non-invasive ultrasound that provides clear images of the heart’s structure and blood flow. “Echocardiography is the used for detecting VSDs, it’s painless, quick, and gives a detailed look at the size and impact of the defect,” the expert says.

For larger VSDs, treatment often begins with anti-failure medications to manage symptoms and support the child’s growth.

Additionally, calorie supplementation is a crucial part of care, helping babies gain weight and build strength while their hearts work harder than normal. “Proper nutrition can make a big difference, when a baby with a VSD grows well, they’re often better prepared for any necessary surgical intervention. Early diagnosis, appropriate medical management, and timely surgical intervention, may help children with VSDs to grow up healthy and active,” says Dr Marwah.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.