A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital birth defect that affects the hearts septum, the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart. This defect is characterized by a hole in the heart that is unable to properly separate the right and left ventricle. The result is an excess of blood flow to the lungs that puts abnormal amounts of stress on the heart. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnoses of ventral septal defects.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ventral septal defects after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Signs & Symptoms of Ventral Septal Defects
Signs and symptoms of ventral septal defects very greatly depending on the size of the hole in the septum. In many cases, symptoms of the disease are not developed till adulthood. Regardless of when signs become apparent, symptoms of ventricular septal defect may include a bluish tint to the skin, poor eating habits, accelerated breathing, easy tiring, swelling of the legs and rapid heart rate.
Causes of Ventral Septal Defects
For the most part, doctors agree that the specific causes of ventral septal defects in children remain unknown. However, In July 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the heart defects risk caused by using antidepressants during pregnancy. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of ventral septal defects in children born to mothers who took them during pregnancy. The following is a list of antidepressant medications that have been linked
to this type of birth defect:
- Paroxetine
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Fluvoxamine
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Bupropion
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Risk Factors of Ventral Septal Defects
Having the following conditions during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a baby with ventral septal defects:
- Rubella infection: If infected with rubella while pregnant, a mother may put her child at a greater risk of developing fatal heart defects.
- Mismanaged diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes in the pregnant mother affects the development of the fetus and may lead to damaging heart abnormalities.
- Antidepressant drugs: Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of ventral septal defects in children born to mothers who took them during pregnancy.
Ventral Septal Defects Complications
While many small ventral septal defects may never show signs of complications, larger defects can be responsible for more serious life-threatening side effects. Severe complications may include the following:
- Eisenmenger’s syndrome
- Heart failure
- Endocarditis
- Stroke
- Death
For more information on these complications, please visit Mayoclinic.com.
Ventral Septal Defects Tests & Diagnosis
Tests that can help diagnose ventral septal defects include:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- Pulse oximetry
Do I have a Ventral Septal Defect Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in ventral septal defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ventral septal defects after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.