what is an AVSD?

Answer 1

Hello:
This is in response to your question posted on yahoo about "AVSD". This stands for atrio-ventricular septal defect. often, this is a congenital disorder. Actually what it is, and depending on how large or severe the defect is governs whether surgery is necessary to correct it. The hole in the center of the heart allows blood from the left side of the heart (oxygenated blood) to pass through the defect into the right side of the heart (deoxygenated blood). It goes back to the lungs even though it has been oxygenated already. Because of the extra amount of blood being shunted back to the lungs, high blood pressure may result and over long periods of time this can damage the blood vessels. Chronically, your heart may enlarge because of the extra work it has to do. When you have a defect or small hole between the chambers it usually does not cause too many problems, however if the hole is large then it can cause problems with circulation and can actually cause more severe heart problems. There are actually several forms and severities of AVSD. A lot of times the defect is corrected in infancy, but if the defect is very very small, it can go undetected until adulthood. I dont know enough of your history to tell you, but ask your doctor about the severity of it. It doesnt sound like it is anything to worry about but I would be on the safe side and discuss this with your primary phsician.
I hope this answered your question and alleviated some of the concerns you might have.
Regards,
Warren Shaffer, M.D.

Answer 2

A congential heart defect called Atrioventricular Septal Defect. The complete form of an AVSD has three important components: a ventricular septal defect, an atrial septal defect, and a common atrioventricular valve.

Answer 3

Atrioventricular Septal Defect.

Sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart

Answer 4

Please see the web pages for more details on Atrio-ventricular septal defects. The same can be corrected ony through surgery.