VSD: Assessment & Diagnosis


Ventricular septal defect is often not diagnosed before 4 to 8 weeks of age. Prior to this age the lung's alveoli are not completely opened. As a result, there is high pulmonary artery resistance. This resistance limits the amount blood shunted through the defect.

As lungs develop, pulmonary circulation expands and pulmonary resistance decreases. When pulmonary resistance falls below the pressure generated by the left ventricle, blood will flow across the vsd toward the area of lower pressure.

If a child shows signs of congestive heart failure, further assessments are made. Findings that suggest VSD include:


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Ventricular septal defects are commonly diagnosed in the first few days of the neonate's life.

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With VSD, the oxygen saturation level may be higher than normal in the right ventricle.

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False

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