Most Common Congenital Heart Defect PDF

Titus lempiri SPR/B/01-03886/24 Most Common Congenital Heart Defect The most common congenital heart defect is the Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This defect involves a hole in the septum that separates the heart's lower chambers (ventricles). Blood Flow in Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) In...

Titus lempiri SPR/B/01-03886/24 Most Common Congenital Heart Defect The most common congenital heart defect is the Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This defect involves a hole in the septum that separates the heart's lower chambers (ventricles). Blood Flow in Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) In VSD, the hole in the septum allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle. This results in the following blood flow pattern: 1. Left-to-Right Shunt: Blood flows from the left ventricle (higher pressure) to the right ventricle (lower pressure). 2. Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow: The mixed blood is pumped into the pulmonary artery, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs. 3. Reduced Systemic Blood Flow: Less oxygen-rich blood is pumped into the aorta and out to the body. Cause of Excessive Fatigue on Exertion The excessive fatigue on exertion in children with VSD is primarily due to the following reasons: 1. Increased Workload on the Heart: The heart has to work harder to pump the increased volume of blood, leading to fatigue. 2. Reduced Oxygen Delivery: The mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood reduces the overall oxygen content delivered to the body's tissues. 3. Pulmonary Congestion: Increased blood flow to the lungs can lead to pulmonary congestion, making it harder for the child to breathe and causing fatigue.