Ventricular septal defect: Understanding Bipasha Basu's daughter's diagnosis
Bipasha Basu recently revealed her daughter's health condition during an Instagram Live chat with Neha Dhupia. Basu shared that her daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover, was born with two holes in her heart, a condition known as ventricular septal defect (VSD). Devi underwent surgery when she was three months old and was under careful observation and care. Here's a comprehensive understanding of VSD.
What is VSD?
One of the most common congenital heart conditions, VSD, typically affects people from infancy through adulthood. It arises due to a gap or defect in the septum, the wall that divides the left and right ventricles, the two bottom chambers of the heart. When this hole is large, the amount of blood leaking between the chambers might harm the heart and lungs permanently.
How to identify?
Symptoms of a VSD depend on the size of the hole. Breathlessness (especially while eating or crying), rapid breathing, sweating, recurring lung infections (pneumonia), recurrent heart failure, fatigue, weakness, and failure to thrive and grow are the most typical symptoms. Some babies with VSD experience fatigue while feeding and struggle to eat enough, leading to poor weight gain.
Causes of VSD
The reasons for VSD that manifests at birth are currently unknown. It can occasionally occur in conjunction with other genetic abnormalities, heart problems, or deformities. Alcohol consumption or the use of specific anti-seizure drugs (sodium valproate and phenytoin) during pregnancy may also raise the likelihood that your unborn child will have a VSD. It can be transferred genetically too.
How can it be treated?
Typically, a ventricular septal defect is discovered after birth. The doctor may advise cardiac catheterization or open-heart surgery to seal the hole and restore regular blood flow, depending on the size of the hole, the child's symptoms, and general health. Some kids may require medication to help strengthen their heart muscles, lower blood pressure, and aid the body in eliminating extra fluid.
