Ventricular septal defect

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

A ventricular septal defect is a common heart defect that's present at birth. It involves a hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails, poor eating, fast breathing, and tiring.

Treatments

If the hole doesn't close on its own, treatment may include medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, or surgery to plug or patch the hole.