Final answer:
In children with a ventriculoseptal defect, surgery is indicated based on symptoms like difficulty breathing and heart failure or risk of heart and lung damage, not simply the loudness of the heart murmur. Diagnosis is first suspected through auscultation and confirmed through medical imaging like echocardiography.
Step-by-step explanation:
In children with ventriculoseptal defect (VSD), surgery is typically indicated when the defect causes significant symptoms such as difficulty breathing, failure to thrive, or evidence of heart failure. In some cases, surgery may also be recommended if there is a risk of damage to the heart or lungs from increased blood flow or high pressure even if the child is asymptomatic. The loudness of the murmur itself does not necessarily dictate the severity of the defect or the need for surgery. Instead, the decision for surgery is based on comprehensive clinical assessments, including echocardiogram results and the presence of symptoms.
VSDs are often first detected by listening to the heart with a stethoscope, a process known as auscultation. Medical imaging, such as echocardiography, is then used to confirm the diagnosis. While some VSDs may close on their own and do not require treatment, others may necessitate surgical intervention to prevent complications. Treatment decisions are individualized based on the specific characteristics of the defect and the health of the child.