
ventricular septal defect
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall dividing the two lower chambers of the heart, called ventricles. Normally, these chambers pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body separately. When there's a VSD, blood can pass from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, causing extra blood flow to the lungs. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, rapid breathing, or poor growth in infants. Treatment may involve surgery or procedures to close the hole, helping the heart function more effectively and preventing complications.