Congenital Heart Defects

Holes in the Heart in Babies & Children (VSD & ASD)

Expert evaluation, precise echocardiogram diagnosis, and long-term monitoring by consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Nitha Naqvi in Central London.

What is a hole in the heart in children?

A hole in the heart is a congenital opening in the internal partition (septum) separating the left and right sides of the heart. The two most common types are Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD) in the lower pumping chambers and Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) in the upper collecting chambers. Many small holes close naturally without treatment, while larger defects are repaired with keyhole devices or surgery.

VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect)

An opening in the ventricular septum. The commonest congenital heart defect in babies.

Learn About VSD

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect)

A defect in the septum separating the upper atrial chambers, allowing oxygenated blood to recirculate.

Learn About ASD

PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)

A persistent foetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery after birth.

Learn About PDA

AVSD (Atrioventricular Defect)

A combined defect involving both the atrial and ventricular septa and heart valves.

Learn About AVSD

Symptoms in Babies and Children

While small holes cause no symptoms other than a noticeable heart murmur, moderate to large defects can cause:

  • Rapid breathing, sweating, or tiring easily during bottle or breastfeeds
  • Slow weight gain or difficulty thriving in infancy
  • Frequent chest infections and reduced exercise stamina in older children

Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment

Dr Naqvi performs a detailed paediatric echocardiogram during your private appointment. High-resolution colour Doppler maps the exact dimensions, velocity of flow, and chamber pressures to create a clear management pathway.

Surgical & Device Network

Dr Naqvi works in multidisciplinary partnership with top congenital cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists at the Royal Brompton and Evelina London Hospitals.

Book a Private Consultation

Comprehensive heart check and scan at 77 Wimpole Street, London.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Holes in the Heart

Advice from consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Nitha Naqvi

A hole in the heart is a congenital defect where an abnormal opening remains in the wall dividing the heart chambers. The commonest types are Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs, between lower pumping chambers) and Atrial Septal Defects (ASDs, between upper collecting chambers), allowing extra blood to circulate to the lungs.

Yes. A substantial number of small and moderate muscular VSDs and small ASDs spontaneously close or reduce in size during the first few years of childhood without needing surgical intervention.

A paediatric echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) is the gold standard diagnostic test. It allows Dr Naqvi to measure the precise size, exact location, and direction of blood flow across the defect.

Treatment is needed if a large hole causes high lung blood flow, poor infant weight gain, breathlessness, or heart enlargement. Many defects can now be closed via minimally invasive keyhole catheter devices without open-heart surgery.