Signs and Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect in Infants

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common type of congenital heart defect that affects many infants. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly depending on the size of the defect and the amount of blood flowing through it.

Small Ventricular Septal Defect

In cases of small VSD, the amount of blood shunted from the left ventricle to the right is minimal, and infants often show no noticeable symptoms. Growth and development usually remain normal. However, a heart murmur may be detected during a physical examination. This murmur results from the abnormal flow of blood through the heart and is often the first clue that a VSD is present.

Moderate to Large Ventricular Septal Defect

When the VSD is moderate or large, the volume of blood being redirected is significantly higher, which can lead to more pronounced symptoms. Infants may experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue, especially during physical activity or feeding. These symptoms can lead to poor weight gain and developmental delays.

Respiratory Symptoms and Infections

Because of the increased blood flow to the lungs, infants are more susceptible to frequent respiratory infections. Common signs include fever, cough, wheezing, and crackles heard during auscultation. These symptoms are often mistaken for other common childhood illnesses, making early diagnosis of VSD more challenging.

Feeding and Physical Symptoms

Feeding difficulties are common among infants with larger VSDs. They may tire quickly during feeding, sweat excessively, and stop frequently to catch their breath. Additionally, they may appear pale and have a generally weak appearance due to poor circulation and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Heart-Related Physical Findings

Besides the characteristic heart murmur, physical examination may reveal an increased intensity of the heartbeat at the apex of the heart and an enlarged area of cardiac impulse. These findings are indicative of the heart working harder than normal to pump blood efficiently through the abnormal pathway.