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Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA?

Patent ductus arteriosus PDA is a congenital heart defect wherein the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth.

This persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart, ductus arteriosus is a normal part of a baby’s circulatory system before birth that usually closes shortly after birth.

However, if it doesn’t, it is termed as a heart defect.

Causes Of Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA:

There is no clear cause for PDA. However, it is speculated that environment and genetics may play a role.

The following factors increase the likelihood of developing PDA:

Symptoms Of Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA:

Some common symptoms of PDA include the following:

  • tachycardia (a heart rate exceeding the normal resting rate)
  • respiratory problems
  • dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • continuous machine-like heart murmur
  • cardiomegaly (enlarged heart, reflecting ventricular dilation and volume overload)
  • left subclavicular thrill
  • bounding pulse
  • widened pulse pressure
  • poor growth
  • Differential cyanosis, i.e. cyanosis of the lower extremities but not of the upper body.

Diagnosis Of Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA:

The following tests are conducted to diagnose PDA:

  • Echocardiogram
  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Cardiac catheterization

Treatment Of Patent Ductus Arteriosus PDA:

PDA can be treated via the following procedures:

  • Medications
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • ibuprofen
  • indomethacin
  • Preventive antibiotics
  • Open heart surgery
  • Catheter procedures

By : Natural Health News

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