What causes ventricular septal defect in newborns?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Neonatal ventricular septal defect is a type of congenital heart disease that may be associated with genetic factors, environmental factors, and unhealthy maternal lifestyle habits during pregnancy. Genetic factors generally refer to a family history of congenital heart disease; environmental factors include maternal fever during pregnancy or exposure to high levels of radiation and chemical drugs. Unhealthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy typically include heavy smoking and drinking, as well as poor personal hygiene.
Neonatal ventricular septal defect is usually a type of congenital heart disease, which may be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or unhealthy maternal lifestyle habits during pregnancy.
1. Genetic factors
If there is a family history of congenital heart disease—for example, if the mother had congenital heart disease as a child—the newborn generally has a higher risk of developing congenital heart disease and ventricular septal defect compared to normal newborns.
2. Environmental factors
If the mother develops a fever or suffers bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy, or is exposed to large amounts of radiation or unapproved chemical medications, these may cause gene mutations in the developing fetus. Abnormalities such as congenital cardiac defects during heart development can lead to neonatal ventricular septal defect.
3. Unhealthy maternal lifestyle habits during pregnancy
If the pregnant woman smokes or drinks alcohol heavily for prolonged periods during pregnancy, or fails to maintain proper personal hygiene leading to intrauterine infection, this may result in abnormal embryonic development and cause neonatal ventricular septal defect.
If neonatal ventricular septal defect occurs, prompt medical evaluation is recommended, along with maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
