Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will able to:

Describe the anatomy of the normal heart with respect to blood flow to and from the lungs.
Identify prevalence of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the population.
Compare and contrast the flow of blood in the normal heart with blood flow in the heart affected by VSD.
Compare cyanotic heart defects with acyanotic heart defects.
Describe early effects of large VSDs; include reasons why children with VSD are prone to congestive heart failure (CHF).
Distinguish later effects of large VSDs.
Explain why VSDs in newborns are often not evident.
List diagnostic tools used to assess VSD.
List symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) in children.
List 2 common medications for CHF management and discuss actions of each medication, pediatric dosages and precautions.
Describe a palliative therapy for VSD.
Describe definitive therapy for VSD including risks and benefits.