Ventricular septal defect Diagnosis: physical examination, medical history, electrocardiogram, cardiac catheterisation, echocardiogram, chest x-ray | National Heart Centre Singapore
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Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect - Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (VSD) normally starts with a physical examination by a doctor, assessing your medical history and routine tests. During the physical examination, the doctor might hear a heart murmur when using a stethoscope. He/she might recommend other tests such as:
  • Cardiac catheterisation: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided into the heart. This allows the doctor to determine if a VSD is present and whether the heart is functioning well. 
  • Chest X-ray: This allows the doctor to see if the heart is enlarged or if the lung has excess fluid. 
  • Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound scan of the heart that can be conducted on a fetus. It shows any issues with the heart structure. It can also determine the position, size and severity of the VSD.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This helps detect any heart defects or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) by measuring the heart’s electrical activity.
  • Cardiac MRI: This allows the doctor to measure the size of the heart and how much blood is flowing across the VSD. 

Ventricular Septal Defect - Preparing for surgery

Ventricular Septal Defect - Post-surgery care

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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