Ventricular Septal Defect (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Ventricular Septal Defect Overview
- Ventricular Septal Defect Causes
- Ventricular Septal Defect Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Ventricular Septal Defect Causes
No one knows what causes ventricular septal defects, but they probably come from a malformation of the heart that occurs while the infant is developing in the womb.
- There may be just one hole or several holes in the septum.
- The septum itself is divided into multiple areas, including the membranous part, the muscular part, and other areas called the inlet and outlet. Any or all of these parts can have a hole.
- The location of the hole depends on where the malformation takes place during fetal development.
The most common type of ventricular septal defect is the membranous variant. In this type, the hole is located below the aortic valve, which controls flow of blood from the left ventricle into the main artery of the body, the aorta.
Next: Ventricular Septal Defect Symptoms »
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Ventricular Septal Defect, General Concepts »
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole or a defect in the septum that divides the 2 lower chambers of the heart and that results in a communication between the ventricular cavities.
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