What happens if a newborn has severe ventricular septal defect?

If the ventricular septal defect in a newborn is severe, it may lead to impaired heart function and requires medical evaluation and intervention as soon as possible.

The ventricular septum is a wall between the left and right ventricles of the heart. A ventricular septal defect means there is one or more holes in this wall, which causes blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, putting more strain on the heart and lungs. The severity of the defect depends on the size of the hole and its location. Small holes can usually heal on their own, but large holes can seriously affect a newborn's circulatory system.

In severe cases, newborns may experience shortness of breath, difficulty feeding, slow growth, and even fatigue. This is because the blood circulation efficiency is reduced and the heart needs to work overtime to maintain normal blood supply to the body. Excessive blood flow to the lungs may cause pulmonary hypertension, which further threatens health. If it is not treated for a long time, it may lead to heart failure or other complications.

If you suspect your newborn has symptoms of a ventricular septal defect, it is very important to seek help from a pediatric cardiologist. The doctor may recommend regular observation, medication, or surgical repair, depending on the severity of the defect and the newborn's overall health. At the same time, parents should pay attention to the newborn's daily feeding and weight gain, maintain a good ventilation environment, and avoid infections that worsen the condition.