Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Cardiothoracic Surgeon · Cardiac Surgery
Verified
Ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening between the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. This allows blood to flow from the left ventricle, which pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body, into the right ventricle, which pumps carbon dioxide-rich blood back to the lungs. This can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that gets pumped out to the body and can lead to congestive heart failure. Ventricular septal defect is usually diagnosed shortly after birth. Treatment typically involves surgery to close the opening.
