What are some signs of a VSD or hole in the heart?

While not all infants with a hole in the heart exhibit symptoms, signs of ventricular septal defect include poor eating, failure to thrive, fast breathing or breathlessness, and easy tiring, notes Mayo Clinic. Paleness, sweating while feeding and frequent respiratory infections also are warning signs, according to MedlinePlus.

Adults experiencing shortness of breath during physical exertion or laying down, rapid or irregular heartbeat and fatigue or weakness are advised to consult a physician, advises Mayo Clinic. However, rare cases of ventricular septal defect in adults are a serious complication of heart attacks and do not result from a birth defect, states MedlinePlus.