Bipasha Basu reveals daughter Devi was born with two holes in her heart; all about the congenital condition

Actor Bipasha Basu recently opened up about her daughter Devi Basu Singh Grover's congenital heart condition that made her and husband Karan Singh Grover's parenting journey challenging. Basu revealed that she came to know on third day of becoming a mother that Devi was born with two holes in her heart and was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect. “The first five months have been very difficult for us. But Devi has been fabulous from day one. We were told that every month, we have to do a scan to know if it's healing on its own. But with the kind of large hole that she had, we were told that it was doubtful, you will have to go through surgery. And the surgery is best done, when the child is three-months-old," shared Bipasha in an Instagram Live with actress Neha Dhupia. Bipasha also revealed that the surgery lasted for 6 hours and she didn't sleep for '40 days and 40 nights.' (Also read: AIIMS Delhi performs difficult laparoscopic surgery on three-month-old, sets global record)

Dr Tarun Raman Raina, Senior Consultant - Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Sector 16, Faridabad NCR in an interview with HT Digital shares symptoms, causes and treatment of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - the condition Bipasha Basu's daughter suffered from.

What is Ventricular Septal Defect?

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is one of the most prevalent congenital heart diseases, affecting individuals from birth to adulthood. The condition arises due to a hole or defect in the wall (septum) that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, the left and right ventricles. The size of the VSD plays a significant role in determining when symptoms may manifest.

Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect

Patients with VSD may exhibit symptoms right from birth or throughout their childhood, depending on the size of the hole. Larger defects tend to present more noticeable symptoms, which can include:

Difficulty in breathing: Due to the abnormal flow of blood between the ventricles, the heart may have to work harder to pump oxygenated blood, leading to breathlessness and rapid breathing.

Difficulty with breastfeeding: Infants with VSD may experience difficulty in feeding, as they may become easily fatigued during the process.

Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or palpitations might be experienced, especially during physical activities or emotional stress.

Failure to gain weight: Insufficient oxygenated blood circulation can hinder proper growth and weight gain in affected infants.

Management and Treatment of Ventricular Septal Defect

The management of VSD depends on the size of the defect and the severity of symptoms. Larger VSDs usually require surgical closure within the first year of life to prevent complications and promote healthy heart development. Modern paediatric cardiac surgery has advanced significantly, making the procedure relatively safe with successful outcomes.

On the other hand, smaller VSDs may be managed through a combination of surgical intervention and medical treatment, mainly focused on alleviating symptoms and preventing potential complications. Regular check-ups and monitoring by a paediatric cardiologist are essential to assess the progress of the defect.

Causes

While the exact cause of VSD is not fully understood, genetics and family history have been shown to play a role in its development. If a child has a family history of congenital heart disease or VSD, there might be an increased risk of them having the condition.

Seeking appropriate care

Once diagnosed with VSD, it is crucial for the patient to promptly consult a Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at a specialized tertiary care centre. Paediatric cardiac surgeons are highly skilled in performing surgeries to repair VSD and other congenital heart defects, providing the best possible outcomes for the child's health and well-being.

Promising outcomes

With modern medical advancements and timely surgical interventions, the prognosis for children with VSD is generally positive. Complete closure of the defect through surgery can enable the child to lead a normal and healthy life, ensuring longevity and reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with untreated VSD.

Overall, early diagnosis, proper medical management, and appropriate surgical treatment contribute to improved quality of life and a promising future for babies born with Ventricular Septal Defect.