Heart Model
Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts Richard E. Klabunde, PhD

Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts 3e textbook cover Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, 3rd edition textbook, Published by Wolters Kluwer (2021)

CNormal and Abnormal Blood Pressure, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Treatment book cover Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure, published by Richard E. Klabunde (2013)

Ventricular Septal Defect

In the normal development of the heart, the interventricular foramen closes off to form the membranous part of the interventricular septum. Failure of this structure to close produces a ventricular septal defect that permits shunting of blood from the left to the right ventricle (left-to-right ventricular shunt) during systole. The shunt is left-to-right because left ventricular pressure exceeds right ventricular pressure during systole. For example, the right ventricular systolic pressure might be 25 mmHg when the left ventricular systolic pressure may be 120 mmHg or higher. This leads to a large pressure gradient across the opening in the septum so that blood flows from the left ventricle into the right ventricle during systole. The flow of blood across this shunt produces a characteristic holosystolic murmur (i.e., between S1 and S2). Often, the murmur is louder with smaller defects because of increased turbulence.

There can be serious consequences of ventricular septal defects. The shunting of blood increases right ventricular volume and its output by the Frank-Starling mechanism. This increased output can lead to pulmonary hypertension. The increased pulmonary flow leads to left atrial enlargement and increased left ventricular preload and stroke volume by the Frank-Starling mechanism. Over time, these hemodynamic changes can lead to symptoms of congestive heart failure and dyspnea.

Revised 02/04/2024

 

 

 

Be sure to visit our sister site, CVPharmacology.com.

Why the Ads? CVphysiology.com is very popular with medical school students, physicians, educators, and others. We use the revenue from advertisements to offset the cost of hosting and maintaining this website. Having ads allows us to keep this website free for everyone.

Amazon Badge
Shop for Medical Books & Textbooks on Amazon