Ventricular Septal Defect Symptoms in Infants

Infants with ventricular septal defect (VSD) often display symptoms that are closely related to the size of the defect. When the opening is large, symptoms can appear early in life and vary in severity. The most common signs and experiences include the following.

Early Signs of Fatigue and Heart Murmurs

One of the primary symptoms is a tendency to tire easily, especially after physical activity. Parents may notice that their baby becomes exhausted quickly during normal play or movement. Additionally, a blowing-type heart murmur may be heard while the baby is at rest or sleeping, which is often one of the first indicators of a heart issue.

Reduced Physical Stamina

Difficulty Keeping Up With Peers

Infants with VSD may have significantly less strength and endurance compared to healthy children. They may struggle to keep up with age-appropriate physical activities such as running or jumping. Even mild exertion can cause them to feel weak and out of breath, often needing to stop and rest frequently during play or movement.

Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections

Recurring or Prolonged Illnesses

Due to the increased blood flow to the lungs caused by the defect, babies are more prone to respiratory infections. These infections may occur more frequently and last longer than usual. Parents may notice that common colds or other respiratory issues take more time to resolve, which can lead to repeated trips to the doctor or hospital if not properly managed.