Paediatrics, by video or in person
Hole in the Heart (VSD and ASD)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Hole in the Heart (VSD and ASD)
- A heart murmur heard by a doctor
- Fast or hard breathing, especially during feeds
- Trouble feeding, sweating with feeds, or tiring quickly
- Slow weight gain and growth
- Frequent chest infections
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
A hole in the heart is a gap in the wall that divides the heart's chambers, present from birth. Between the two lower chambers it is a ventricular septal defect (VSD); between the two upper chambers, an atrial septal defect (ASD). Blood passes through the hole, which can make the heart and lungs work harder. Many small holes cause no symptoms and close on their own in the first years of life. Larger holes can cause breathlessness, poor feeding and slow growth, and are closed with a device passed through a vein or with open heart surgery. Often the first sign is a murmur a doctor hears with a stethoscope.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A heart murmur heard by a doctor
- Fast or hard breathing, especially during feeds
- Trouble feeding, sweating with feeds, or tiring quickly
- Slow weight gain and growth
- Frequent chest infections
- In older children or adults with an unclosed ASD: breathlessness on exercise or palpitations
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if a child's lips, face or skin turn blue or grey, if they are struggling to breathe, or if they are limp, floppy or unresponsive. See a doctor promptly if a baby breathes fast or sweats with feeds, feeds poorly or is not gaining weight, or if a doctor has heard a murmur and nobody has yet arranged an echocardiogram.
Treatment options
- An echocardiogram, a heart ultrasound, to see the hole and its effect
- Check-ups for small holes, which often close on their own
- Medicines to ease breathlessness and help growth while waiting
- Device closure through a vein in the leg, for many ASDs and some VSDs
- Open heart surgery to close the hole with stitches or a patch
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is a heart murmur always a hole in the heart?
No. Many children have an innocent murmur, a harmless sound from a normal heart. An echocardiogram tells the difference.
Will my child need surgery?
Not if the hole is small and closes on its own, which many do. A paediatric cardiologist decides from the echocardiogram whether and when to close it.
Can a paediatrician help by video?
A video call is a good first step after a murmur has been heard: the doctor reviews the history and arranges an echocardiogram and a paediatric cardiologist. A child who is blue, struggling to breathe or floppy needs a hospital, not a call.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Congenital heart disease. NHS. Patient information.
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD). British Heart Foundation. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.