Hole in the Heart

By Medical Expert Team

Nov 13 , 2020 | 1 min read

All over the world, 10 out of 1000 babies are born with heart disease. Although, it consists of several different types of heart disease but in our society, they are commonly known as 'hole in the heart' or 'dil mein chhed'.

Most common hole in the heart is known as ventricular septal defect (VSD) which is present in about 26 % of babies suffering from heart disease.

Babies suffering from these kind of holes can have various symptoms which manifest at different stages of life depending upon the size of hole. Most common symptoms are failure to gain weight, increased sweating during feeding, fast and uncomfortable breathing and frequent episodes of pneumonia.

Big holes have early presentation and can be life threatening as well. These holes can be easily diagnosed by a simple test which is known as echocardiography. They have complete cure and can be safely treated by surgery with excellent outcomes. Weight of baby is no longer a strict criteria for operating these kids. They should get operated preferably before 1 year of age. Delay in their treatment can make these holes inoperable and high risk.

Children with small holes are generally asymptomatic and do not require early intervention. They need to be on regular follow up with a pediatric cardiologist. Small to moderate holes can be closed by non surgical means as well with help of device in cath lab with very good results.

In Max super speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, we are treating every kind of hole by surgical as well as non surgical means with excellent results. We have a dedicated team of pediatric cardiac surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiac anesthetists and pediatric intensivist to take care of these kids and give them a new ray of life.