Prevention of ventricular septal defect (VSD):

What can be done to prevent ventricular septal defect?
Most cases of ventricular septal defect are not preventable. Lowering pregnancy risk factors, such as alcohol use, may prevent some cases.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Long-term effects of a ventricular septal defect will vary depending on the size and location of the defect. Large defects or holes may cause difficulty breathing and weakening of the heart, inflammation or infection of the heart, or congestive heart failure.

What are the risks to others?
A ventricular septal defect is not contagious and poses no risk to others.