It is frightening for parents to find out their child has a congenital heart defect. However, this condition is very common. It affects one out of every 100 babies born. A congenital heart defect is when a child is born with something wrong with the structure of his or her heart. It causes problem with the way the blood flows through your heart. Heart defects also affect babies' oxygen and blood supply.  Thanks to advances in pediatric cardiology most forms of congenital heart disease are treatable with good expectations. Read on to find out how pediatric heart surgery can improve ventricular septal defects (VSDs).

What Is A Ventricular Septal Defect?

A ventricular septal defect occurs when a child is born with a hole in his or her heart. This hole develops in the wall that separates the septum, which allows the blood to flow from the left to right side of the heart. It causes a problem because your blood is pumped back to your lungs instead of your body. This results in your child's heart working harder. If the hole is large, then your child will need surgery to repair the defect. This surgery is usually done within the first year.

Repair The Defect With Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is a common way to repair ventricular septal defects in children. It is done using a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes on the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. An incision is made into your child's chest. Your childrens cardiologist makes the repair through the incision and close the incision using stitches.

Why Is the Surgery Done

Heart surgery is done when your child is experiencing symptoms. A child with a ventricular septal nail beds, lips and skin may have a gray or blue coloring. This is a sign of not enough oxygen getting into your blood. Your child may also has problems with sleeping and eating. This results in your child growing and developing at a slower pace.

As a parent, you want to give your child the best chance. You can start by getting your child evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist. He or she can tell you how to proceed with treatment. Fixing the defect allows your child to participate in vigorous activity. It also helps for parents to seek outside support. There are support groups for parents of children with congenital heart disease. For more information, see a website such as http://www.alpertzalescastro.com.

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