Ventricular septal defect

A heart defect in which there's an opening in the heart between the lower chambers.

A ventricular septal defect is a common heart defect that's present at birth. It involves a hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers.

Symptoms include a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails, poor eating, fast breathing, and tiring.

If the hole doesn't close on its own, treatment may include medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, or surgery to plug or patch the hole.