Which chamber of the heart is most affected in patients with ventricular septal defects and left to right shunting?

In the context of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) with left-to-right shunting, the right ventricle is the chamber most affected. When a VSD is present, there is an abnormal opening between the left and right ventricles. Blood, which is normally directed from the left ventricle into the aorta, instead flows into the right ventricle due to the pressure gradient, leading to volume overload of the right ventricle.

This increased blood flow into the right ventricle can cause several complications, such as right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right heart failure if the condition is not managed. Over time, the increased workload on the right ventricle from the additional volume can lead to structural changes.

The other chambers, such as the left atrium and left ventricle, are less directly affected by this condition in the context of volume overload and pressure changes. While there can be secondary effects on the left side of the heart due to increased pulmonary blood flow and potential pulmonary hypertension, the primary impact of a VSD with left-to-right shunting is observed in the right ventricle. Therefore, the correct identification of the affected chamber in the presence of a VSD aligns with understanding the pathophysi