What is the expected outcome if a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is left untreated?

When a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is left untreated, the most significant risk is the development of potential heart failure. A VSD is an abnormal opening in the ventricular septum, which separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the right ventricle, leading to an increase in pulmonary blood flow. Over time, this overloads the lungs and the right side of the heart, causing them to work harder than normal.

As the heart has to pump more blood than it should, this could lead to a range of complications, including left heart dilation and diminished cardiac function. The progressive nature of these changes can ultimately result in congestive heart failure characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, poor growth in infants, and difficulty breathing.

The other outcomes mentioned do not align with what typically occurs with untreated VSD. While some small defects may have minimal impact on health initially, larger defects or those causing significant left-to-right shunting can severely affect cardiac function, making heart failure the most relevant concern. There is nothing regarding immediate resolution; untreated VSDs do not spontaneously close. Similarly, increased growth is not an expected outcome, as children with VSD often face growth