How do you assess a VSD?
Diagnosis
- Echocardiogram. In this test, sound waves produce a video image of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes attached to the skin and helps diagnose heart defects or rhythm problems.
- Chest X-ray.
- Cardiac catheterization.
- Pulse oximetry.
Is VSD a serious heart condition?
A small ventricular septal defect may never cause any problems. Medium or large defects can cause a range of disabilities — from mild to life-threatening. Treatment can prevent many complications.
When should a VSD close?
If a defect is going to close, it usually happens by age 2 . But some defects don’t close until age 4 . These children usually grow and develop normally. They also have no activity restrictions, and live normal, healthy lives.
How long does it take for VSD to close?
Approximately 75 percent of small VSDs close on their own within the first year of life or by age 10 and do not require any treatment other than careful monitoring. For medium to large VSDs, the spontaneous closure rate is about 5 to 10 percent.
What is a bad result for an echocardiogram?
There are no risks of a resting echocardiogram. If you have an exercise echo, you might develop chest pain during the test. Because this is a sign that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen and could be in danger of damage, it’s important that you alert the medical staff immediately so that the test can be stopped.
What to expect during an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram exam usually includes a Doppler recording of the blood movement or flow within the heart. When color flow Doppler is used in the exam, it will appear as different colors moving within the white and black images on the monitor. The different colors represent the different speeds and directions of blood flow in the heart.
What will an echocardiogram detect?
Additionally, an echocardiogram can accurately measure the size and shape of the heart. It can detect previous heart attacks, infections, blood clots and measure intracardiac pressures. The test is performed by a cardiac sonographer or ultrasound technologist.
What happens during an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart’s function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. After undressing from the waist up, you’ll lie on an examining table or bed.