Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Small ventricular septal defects (VSD) typically don't cause symptoms. However, larger VSDs may cause congestive heart failure and the following symptoms because the heart works harder than normal.

• An enlarged heart caused by pumping extra blood
• High blood pressure in blood vessels in the lungs, which over time could permanently damage vessel walls
• Shortness of breath and sweating
• Significant fatigue
• Trouble eating and gaining weight

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007