Final Answer:
One of the late complications of a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary hypertension is a significant late complication associated with large Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs). In a normal heart, blood flows from the left ventricle to the aorta and then to the rest of the body, while the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation. However, in the presence of a large VSD, there is a shunting of blood from the left side of the heart to the right side, causing increased blood flow to the lungs. Over time, this increased pulmonary blood flow can lead to elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension.
The development of pulmonary hypertension in the setting of a large VSD can have profound consequences on the cardiovascular system. The increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries may result in structural changes in the pulmonary vessels and the right side of the heart. Chronic pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy, dilation, and eventually, heart failure. Additionally, it can contribute to a reversal of the shunt direction, causing deoxygenated blood to flow from the right side of the heart to the left, leading to cyanosis.
Managing pulmonary hypertension in the context of a large VSD often involves a comprehensive approach, including medical therapies to reduce pulmonary artery pressure and, in some cases, surgical intervention to repair the VSD and address the associated complications. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to improving outcomes and preventing further deterioration of cardiac function.
Complete Question:
"What is one of the late complications of a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)?"