These factors increase the work of the heart and may lead to congestive heart failure. Ventricular septal defect is common, accounting for 25 percent of all congenital heart disease. Nearly half of small defects will close by themselves without an operation, usually during the first few months after birth. Small ventricular septal defects that don't cause symptoms usually don't require surgery, but all people with ventricular septal defects should receive preventive antibiotics before dental and certain surgical procedures. In children with large defects, major problems, including heart failure, may develop even in early infancy.
Initial treatment involves controlling the heart failure with drugs.
If this is unsuccessful, surgery to close the defect is usually done before 1 year of age. After successful closure, most people lead a normal lifestyle. New methods for closing defects are now available. However, their role in treatment isn't well established yet. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of use .