Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a medical condition characterized by a tear or hole in the septum, which is the muscular wall that separates the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. This condition is usually caused by a heart attack or myocardial infarction, where blood flow to a specific area of the heart is blocked, leading to tissue death and subsequent rupture. VSR is considered a life-threatening complication.
The rupture in the ventricular septum allows blood to flow from the left ventricle, which pumps oxygenated blood to the body, to the right ventricle, which normally pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs. As a result, there is a mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood, reducing the efficiency of blood circulation and leading to various symptoms.
Common symptoms of ventricular septal ruptures include shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Additionally, patients may experience low blood pressure, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), and signs of heart failure.
Immediate medical intervention is crucial in treating ventricular septal ruptures. Treatment options include medications to stabilize the patient, surgical repair of the septal defect, or a combination of both. Cardiac surgery is often necessary to close the hole and restore normal circulation, using techniques such as sutures or patches.
Overall, ventricular septal ruptures pose a significant threat to the health and functioning of the heart, requiring prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical or surgical intervention for the best possible outcome.
