Ventricular Septal Defect: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ventricular Septal Defect?
A pediatric cardiologist, a heart doctor for children, usually cares for a ventricular septal defect. A heart surgeon repairs holes that need surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a ventricular septal defect?
A ventricular septal defect, or VSD, is a hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. The ventricles are the two lower chambers of the heart. A VSD is a congenital heart defect, which means a heart problem that is present from birth. It is one of the most common congenital heart defects.
Before a baby is born, a wall forms to separate the two ventricles. If the wall does not form completely, a hole remains. There can be a single hole or more than one hole. With a VSD, blood flows from the left ventricle through the hole to the right ventricle and into the lungs. About 42 of every 10,000 babies in the United States are born with a VSD.
Symptoms
People with a VSD may not have symptoms. If the hole is large, a baby often has symptoms related to heart failure. Signs might be present at birth or might not appear until well after birth. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, fast breathing, or hard breathing.
- Paleness.
- A fast heart rate.
- Sweating or tiredness while feeding.
- Poor weight gain.
- Frequent respiratory infections, which are infections of the airways and lungs.
A VSD increases the blood flow through the lungs. This makes the heart and lungs work harder. Over time, if it is not repaired, it can raise the risk of heart failure, high blood pressure in the lungs, and irregular heart rhythms.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of a VSD is not yet known in most cases. Some babies have heart defects because of changes in their genes or chromosomes. A mix of genes and other risk factors may raise the risk, such as things in a mother's environment, what she eats or drinks, or the medicines she uses. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy, or taking the seizure medicines valproic acid or phenytoin, may raise the risk. Rubella infection in a pregnant woman can cause congenital heart disease, so women who plan to become pregnant should be immunized against rubella if they are not already immune.
How doctors diagnose it
A VSD is usually found after a baby is born. A doctor listening with a stethoscope most often hears a heart murmur, a whooshing sound. If the hole is small, it may not be found for years and may only be discovered in adulthood.
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, is the most common test and gives a definite diagnosis. Other tests may include a chest x-ray, an ECG (which can show signs of an enlarged left ventricle), and an MRI or CT scan of the heart. A cardiac catheterization is rarely needed unless there is a concern about high blood pressure in the lungs.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the hole and the problems it might cause. Many VSDs are small and close on their own. If the defect is small, no treatment may be needed, but a heart specialist should watch the baby closely. This makes sure the hole closes and signs of heart failure do not appear.
Babies with a large VSD and heart failure symptoms may need medicine and surgery to close the hole. Diuretic medicines, which help the body get rid of extra fluid, are often used. If symptoms continue, surgery to close the defect with a patch is needed. Some VSDs can be closed with a special device during a cardiac catheterization, which avoids surgery. Only certain types of defects can be treated this way.
Some babies get tired while feeding and do not eat enough to gain weight, so a special high-calorie formula might be prescribed. Having surgery for a VSD with no symptoms is controversial, so talk it over carefully with your child's provider. Most children whose VSD closes, on its own or with surgery, live healthy lives.
When to see a doctor
Contact your infant's provider if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child has severe trouble breathing, has blue or gray skin, or passes out.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can listen to the heart, refer a child to a heart specialist, and help keep track of growth and feeding. They can also coordinate follow-up visits after treatment.
Common questions
Can a ventricular septal defect close on its own?
Yes, many small ones do. The hole can close over time as the wall continues to grow after birth.
Does a ventricular septal defect always need surgery?
No, a small hole may need no treatment. A heart specialist watches the child closely to make sure the hole closes. Surgery or a catheter procedure may be needed if the hole is large or does not close on its own.
Can adults have a ventricular septal defect?
Yes, a small hole may not be found for years and may only be discovered in adulthood. Adults can also get a VSD as a rare complication of a heart attack, which is not a birth defect.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Ventricular septal defect
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Ventricular Septal Defect
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
