What are the symptoms of ventricular septal defect in newborns?

Common symptoms of ventricular septal defect in newborns include feeding difficulties, growth retardation, shortness of breath and heart murmurs, which may lead to heart failure in severe cases. Parents need to take their children to the doctor as soon as possible, and the doctor will evaluate the condition and develop a treatment plan.

1. Feeding difficulties and growth retardation

Because ventricular septal defect can lead to abnormal heart function and reduced blood circulation efficiency, newborns may have difficulty feeding, fatigue intolerance, and poor weight gain. This is because the heart needs to consume extra energy to cope with excessive blood return, resulting in a relatively reduced blood supply to other parts of the body. Parents should pay attention to the feeding situation of newborns. If they find that their weight gain is slow, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible.

2. Shortness of breath and frequent infections

Affected by the ventricular septal defect, the lungs may be overloaded due to excessive blood return, resulting in shortness of breath and purple lips due to lack of oxygen. Changes in pulmonary blood circulation can also increase the risk of respiratory infections in children, such as recurrent coughing or pneumonia. Parents should pay attention to whether the newborn has abnormal breathing sounds or abnormally fast breathing rates, which are important warning signs.

3. Heart murmur

A typical manifestation of ventricular septal defect is a clear murmur when auscultating the heart. This murmur is caused by blood flowing from the high-pressure left ventricle to the low-pressure right ventricle. Even if other symptoms are not obvious, this problem can be discovered through routine physical examinations of newborns. Doctors will use cardiac ultrasound and other tests to confirm the source of the murmur and the size of the ventricular septal defect.

4. Severe cases: symptoms of heart failure

Some children with larger defects may develop heart failure due to excessive heart pressure, which manifests as swelling of the limbs, more difficulty breathing, and even drowsiness. If not treated in time, it may further endanger life. At this time, emergency drug treatment such as diuretics, sedatives or surgery are usually required.

Further suggestions

Treatment for ventricular septal defect depends on the size of the defect and the symptoms it presents. Mild defects can close naturally with age and require only regular checkups. For moderate defects, doctors may recommend medication to maintain heart function. Severe defects may require surgery, such as patch repair or minimally invasive closure. Parents should strictly follow the doctor's instructions for each step of the treatment and care plan.

If a newborn is suspected of having a ventricular septal defect, early diagnosis and intervention can avoid the development of complications as much as possible and ensure the healthy growth of the child.