Final answer:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is characterized by an opening in the heart's septum, leading to the mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood and resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure. This may affect cardiac output and stroke volume and can contribute to right-sided heart failure. VSDs are classified by location and size, with larger defects causing more significant symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart condition characterized by an opening in the septum that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle.
Hemodynamic changes due to a VSD include increased pulmonary blood flow, leading to pulmonary hypertension and potential congestive heart failure if left untreated. Cardiac output may eventually be affected, as the heart compensates for the abnormal circulation of blood. Over time, if significant in size, a VSD can lead to an overload of the right side of the heart, causing right-sided heart failure. The increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation can also increase the afterload that the right ventricle must overcome to pump blood, affecting the stroke volume.
The classification of VSDs is based on their location within the ventricular septum, such as perimembranous, inlet, trabecular, or outlet septal defects. The size of the defect also plays a significant role in the hemodynamic impact, with larger defects causing more significant shunting of blood and more pronounced symptoms.