What will happen in the later stage if a ventricular septal defect is not operated on?

Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Because a ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease, if surgery is not performed, it can sometimes lead to ischemic and hypoxic conditions in patients. During this period, active surgical treatment is still necessary, as this disease primarily relies on surgical intervention. Medical treatment, especially drug therapy, is not very effective, so it is recommended to prioritize immediate treatment with surgical assistance.

After surgery, it is still necessary to regularly check the heart with an echocardiogram, as this disease can produce murmurs in the precordial area. Patients may also experience recurring respiratory infections, especially cases of bronchitis and bronchopneumonia.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Symptoms of ventricular septal defect

The main symptoms of a ventricular septal defect depend on the size of the defect and the age of the patient. Generally, smaller ventricular septal defects, such as those measuring only one to two millimeters, result in very little shunting from the left ventricular system to the right ventricular system. This is akin to a tiny amount of air seeping through a crack in a window or door. In such cases, the patient typically does not exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, if the defect is larger, over five millimeters, a significant amount of blood passes from the left ventricular system into the right ventricular system, which can cause substantial congestion in the right or both lungs of the right ventricular system, or lead to recurrent respiratory infections and congestive heart failure. The affected individual may show disinterest in eating, feeding difficulties, and delayed development. As the patient grows older, they may exhibit reduced activity endurance, fatigue or palpitations, and shortness of breath. Gradually, cyanosis and right heart failure may develop. Additionally, patients are at risk of developing infective endocarditis, fever without symptoms, and recurring fever.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Is it necessary to perform amniocentesis for a ventricular septal defect?

Ventricular septal defect generally is not hereditary, and its genetic DNA should not be problematic. Therefore, the amniocentesis for patients with ventricular septal defect could potentially be problem-free. Although amniocentesis is not very diagnostic, it is still recommended for older patients or those with high risks of malformations or genetic variations. If there is only concern about a ventricular septal defect, a four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound can be performed. Particularly after the 22nd week of pregnancy, a four-dimensional cardiac ultrasound can help in identification. However, some very small defects might not be detectable. But typically, a minor, isolated ventricular septal defect might impact heart function but generally does not significantly affect the growth and development of the child.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Why does a ventricular septal defect cause respiratory infections?

Because ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease, it mainly leads to pulmonary infections in children, often causing respiratory infections. If this condition is not treated in time, it can worsen the symptoms, decrease the child's resistance, and lead to frequent respiratory diseases. Early surgical treatment is recommended to improve the child's symptoms. It is also important to monitor the child's breathing, heart rate, and pulse changes, and it is advisable to regularly revisit the hospital for an echocardiogram. Early surgical treatment is recommended as it can completely cure the disease.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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What would happen if the ventricular septal defect occluder dislodges?

An occluder generally works like two umbrella surfaces clamped over the orifice of the interventricular septal defect, achieving the method whereby tissue blood flow enters from the left side of the septum to the right side. Once an occluder dislodges, it can lead to a dangerous situation, as the occluder has a membrane that can easily get caught on the tendons of the mitral valve, causing severe mitral regurgitation; it can also get stuck at the mitral valve orifice, obstructing the outflow of blood; it may also lead to aortic valve insufficiency; if it gets caught in the major arteries, it can cause arterial embolism, leading to sudden death in the patient. Therefore, the dislodgement of an occluder is a very dangerous phenomenon.

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Written by Jia Qiu Ju
Cardiology
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What should I do if occasional chest tightness and shortness of breath occur due to a ventricular septal defect?

Ventricular septal defect can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. This indicates that the ventricular septal defect has already led to a decline in cardiac function, which may not have reached the severity of heart failure. However, factors such as increased physical activity, emotional changes, infections, etc., can increase the cardiac burden, leading to symptoms of heart failure, manifesting as chest tightness and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can be accompanied by wheezing and episodes of respiratory difficulty. Therefore, if a patient is found to have a ventricular septal defect, this is a congenital heart disease that requires early surgical treatment. Currently, percutaneous transcatheter closure or thoracotomy for ventricular septal repair can be employed. The specific method of surgery depends on the detailed assessment of the ventricular septal defect.