The oldest survivors of VSD closure are now in their 50s and 60s—or older if operated on as adults. We do not know what the lifelong impact of VSD closure is nor do we know how long people with repaired VSDs will live. If surgery was done early, before serious heart and lung problems developed, the outlook is excellent. Adults with closed VSDs are expected to have a normal lifespan. A small number have needed re-operation. The most common reason was to close small leaks around the original patch.

Even if you have a repaired VSD, you do not have a “normal” heart. Everyone born with a VSD has a lifelong risk of other heart problems. Some can occur many years after the original repair. One risk is endocarditis, or infection of the lining of the heart and the valves. It is very important that you ask your ACHD heart doctor about how to protect yourself from endocarditis. People with a repaired VSD can also develop a slow, fast or irregular heartbeat. This is sometimes caused by scars in your heart created by your previous surgery. Other possible problems include valve problems, stroke and heart failure.