Globally, 2 to 3 percent of the child population is born with birth defects. Congenital malformations existing at birth are single or multiple anomalies of the body or organs identifiable at birth or during fetal development. Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects. It is estimated that “eight out of 1,000 newborns” suffer from congenital heart defects, which is an abnormal supply of the heart and blood vessels surrounding the heart. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) accounts for 25-30% of all congenital heart defects, with 1 in 500 infants born with a VSD. A ventricular septal defect, or hole in the heart, occurs along the partition between the ventricles of the heart. During fetal development, the left and right ventricles are not separated, but as the fetus continues to grow, these two ventricles separate. If the septum or wall does not form completely, the baby is left with a hole in the heart, allowing oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood. Blood diverted from the left ventricle to the right ventricle overloads the heart. The heart struggles to cope with the load and cannot pump efficiently. This overwork will put too much pressure on the lungs, causing pulmonary hypertension and, in response, thickening of the blood and possibly causing permanent lung damage. This hole normally closes with continued growth. VSDs are treatable, have no known cause, but often occur with other congenital heart defects and are not preventable. Children born with a ventricular septal defect may have no symptoms or may appear within the first few days, weeks, or months after birth. birth. Symptoms of ventricular septal defect vary greatly depending...... middle of paper ......gs causing high pressure in the arteries; leading to irreversible pulmonary hypertension. Other complications include “aortic insufficiency, a leak of the valve that separates the left ventricle from the aorta; damage to the heart's electrical conduction system during surgery causing an irregular heartbeat; stunted growth and development; heart failure; stroke; infective endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart. » Ventricular septal defects have an excellent long-term prognosis, if the septum is completely separated from the blood circulation with a return to normal; if the heart has been enlarged, a more normal size will be achieved; elevated pulmonary pressure with residence; and if the baby is stunted, he or she will usually need to catch up in a year or two. Long-term follow-up is necessary and continuation of preventive antibiotics is essential.