Symptoms of ASD and VSD
While both ASD and VSD are well known for reducing systemic cardiac output, the two heart abnormalities have distinct symptoms. The left-right shunts affect different areas, with ASD affecting the septum that separates the atria and VSD affecting the wall that separates the lower chambers of the heart. While ASD is clinically known for its asymptotic murmurs, adult individuals experience dyspnea when they exert themselves (Perloff, Child, & Aboulhosn, 2008). ASD can also cause consequences such ischemic stroke, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Physical examination may also reveal secondary symptoms of right heart failure, such as palpations, fatigue, oedematous developments in abdomen and legs, as well as tiring quickly upon exercise.
On the other hand, VSD is symptomized by tachypnea, as evidenced fast and hard breathing, as well as shortness of breath. Besides the physical manifestation of paleness, individuals also sweat when feeding (Perloff, Child & Aboulhosn, 2008). The build up in pressure in the pulmonary vessels causes permanent damage to the circulatory system, resulting in spillover symptoms of congenital heart failure with dyspnea.
Treatment Options for Children and Adults with ASD and VSD
The most efficacious method of treating ASD in children is the catheter procedure, where a tiny umbrella-like device is placed on the septum as a closure device. The rationale in the treatment is founded on the idea that most children experience self-repair as they age (Reid, Paladin, Davros, Lee & Carrico, 2013). Open-heart surgery is the preferred mode of repairing the defect among adults.
In VSD, nutritional plans are the recommended therapeutic approach. Children are placed under unique nourishment to aid the natural sealing of the hole. In the event the VSD is too large to close by itself as the case of adults, surgery is considered. Besides the treatment approaches, follow-up care is needed in both ASD and VSD, including antibiotics, as individuals with heart defects are at an increased risk of experiencing opportunistic infections.
References
Perloff, J.K., Child, J.S., & Aboulhosn, J. (2008). Congenital heart disease in adults. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Reid, J., Paladin, A., Davros, W., Lee, E., & Carrico, C. (2013). Pediatric radiology. New York: OUP USA.
