How Is a Ventricular Septal Defect Diagnosed?
• A VSD that’s left untreated can lead to further health problems later in life. Your child is more likely to have growth problems, frequent respiratory infections, and develop disease of the blood vessels in the lungs. • After treatment, most children with a VSD can be active like other children. • Regular follow-up visits with the cardiologist are needed. The frequency of these visits may decrease as your child grows older. • Your child may need to take antibiotics before having any surgery or dental work. This is to prevent infection of the inside lining of the heart and valves. This infection is called bacterial endocarditis. Antibiotics may be needed for about 6 months after closure of the defect, or as directed by the cardiologist.
