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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA ventricular septal defect (VSD), also called a "hole in the heart," is a common heart defect that's present at birth.
A baby with a small ventricular septal defect may have no problems at all. A baby with a larger ventricular septal defect or associated heart defects may have a telltale bluish tint to the skin — due to oxygen-poor blood — often most visible in the lips and fingernails.
Fortunately, ventricular septal defect is readily treatable. Smaller ventricular septal defects often close on their own or don't cause problems. Others need surgical repair. Many kids with ventricular septal defects have normal, productive lives with few related problems.
