Questions: A ventricular septal defect, with blood flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, is an example of which type of cardiac pathology? - Regurgitant flow - Flow obstruction - Shunted flow - Pump failure

The answer is the third one: Shunted flow.

Explanation for each option:

• Regurgitant flow: This refers to the backward flow of blood due to valve insufficiency, such as in mitral or aortic regurgitation. It is not applicable to a ventricular septal defect (VSD), where the issue is not with valve function but with a hole in the septum.

• Flow obstruction: This involves a blockage or narrowing that impedes blood flow, such as in aortic stenosis. A VSD does not obstruct flow; rather, it allows abnormal flow between the ventricles.

• Shunted flow: This is the correct answer. A ventricular septal defect results in shunted flow because blood is abnormally directed from the left ventricle to the right ventricle through the defect in the septum. This is a classic example of a left-to-right shunt.

• Pump failure: This refers to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, as seen in heart failure. A VSD is not primarily a pump failure issue, although it can lead to heart failure if severe.

In summary, a ventricular septal defect is an example of shunted flow, as it involves abnormal blood flow between the heart's chambers.