Ventricular Septal Defect

A ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defects. It refers to one or more holes in the wall separating the right and left ventricles of the heart, the lower chambers. It may occur by itself or with other heart defects. There are several names for these holes or openings, depending on where they are located. Before babies are born, the right and left ventricles are not separate, but as the baby grows a wall forms to separate them. If the wall does not form completely, a hole remains. The hole can eventually close on its own, causing no problems, but if the hole is too large, too much blood is pumped to the lungs, causing heart failure. It also may cause oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, giving the baby's skin a bluish tint. Although it is present at birth and usually is treated at that point, sometimes the condition is not diagnosed until adulthood. It is treatable, depending on its size and whether symptoms occur. The cause is not known.

Why UAB

UAB Medicine operates a Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders Clinic, which is a multi-specialty clinic that includes physicians from the UAB Department of Pediatric Cardiology and the UAB Department of Genetics. Services offered include physical exams, echocardiogram/EKG, and genetic testing for diseases and conditions of the aorta, when needed. The clinic’s genetic counselor works with patients to help them better understand their condition and evaluate their risk for medical issues based on genetic testing results.

Because Marfan syndrome can affect the heart, patient care also may be provided by the UAB Congenital Heart Disease Program. The program offers the most advanced care for congenital (present at birth) heart disease, which often requires lifetime monitoring and care. Our multi-specialty team of pediatric and adult cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiovascular anesthesiologists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists have unique expertise in treating patients before birth and into adulthood.

UAB Medicine’s modern ultrasound equipment allows many heart defects to be diagnosed before a child is born. Screening exams performed at 18-20 weeks are recommended for expecting mothers or fathers known to have congenital heart disease. If a defect is discovered, our experts provide prenatal treatment and develop a plan for delivery and treatment after birth.

Thanks to advances in pediatric congenital care, the life expectancy for most patients now reaches far into adulthood. However, more than half of the people with congenital heart problems stop seeing a cardiologist once they turn 18. UAB’s Alabama Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is designed to prevent that gap in care. As the only adult congenital heart disease program in the state and one of only a few in the country, our expertise greatly increases the chances that symptoms will be identified early. This helps ensure that less serious problems are addressed before they develop into larger, more life-threatening issues such as heart failure, arrhythmia, residual congenital heart defects, endocarditis, and stroke.

 

VIDEOS

Dr. Marc Cribbs appeared on Fox 6 TV's "Business Break" to discuss Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

More than 20,000 adults enter the Adult Congenital Heart Disease population every year, but 60% are lost to follow-up care. 

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

Individuals born with congenital heart disease are now thriving into adulthood, but need lifelong follow-up care from sub-specialty experts.

 

CARE PROVIDERS

Mustafa I. Ahmed, MD
Mustafa I. Ahmed, MD
David C. Cleveland, MD
David C. Cleveland, MD
Marc G. Cribbs, MD
Marc G. Cribbs, MD
Robert J. Dabal, MD
Robert J. Dabal, MD
Walter H. Johnson Jr., MD
Walter H. Johnson Jr., MD
Mark A. Law, MD
Mark A. Law, MD
William S. McMahon, MD
William S. McMahon, MD
 

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Ventricular Septal Defect. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials