Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): Diagnosis and Treatment

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How is ventricular septal defect (VSD) diagnosed?

Your child will see a pediatric cardiologist (heart doctor). During that visit, they will have the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG helps doctors learn more about your child’s heart rate and rhythm.
• Echocardiogram (echo). An echo is an ultrasound of the heart. It lets the doctors know how the heart is working.

The care team will go over the test results with you on the same day.

What is the treatment for a ventricular septal defect (VSD)?

Smaller VSDs often do not cause symptoms or problems with growth and development. They can close by themselves as your child grows.

Larger VSDs might require your child to take medications to ease symptoms caused by the VSD. They might also need to make changes to their diet.

Larger defects that do not get better with medical treatment or diet changes might need surgery. This is especially true if your baby is not growing or if your child has other complications (problems) caused by the VSD.

Will my child need follow-up care?

Yes. The Pediatric Cardiology team will help guide you through your child’s specific care plan.

Rev. 6/2018