Diagnosis
To diagnose patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a healthcare professional does a physical exam and asks questions about you or your child's medical history. The healthcare professional may hear a heart sound called a murmur while listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
Tests
Tests can help diagnose patent ductus arteriosus.
- Echocardiogram. Sound waves make pictures of the beating heart. This test shows how blood flows through the heart and heart valves. It can tell if there is a persistent opening in the heart. An echocardiogram also can tell if there are higher pressures in the lung arteries.
- Chest X-ray. This test shows the condition of the heart and lungs.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick and simple test records the electrical signals that make up the heartbeat. It shows how fast or how slow the heart is beating.
- Cardiac catheterization. This test isn't usually needed to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus. But it might be done if there also are other heart conditions. A doctor places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guides it to the heart. During this test, treatments may be done to close the patent ductus arteriosus.
More Information
Treatment
Treatments for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) depend on the age of the person being treated.
Some people with small PDAs may only need regular health checkups to watch for complications. A premature baby born with patent ductus arteriosus also needs regular checkups to make sure the opening closes.
Medications
A premature baby born with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may get medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines, also called NSAIDs, block certain body chemicals that keep the PDA open. However, these medicines won't close a PDA in full-term babies, children or adults.
In the past, healthcare professionals told people born with patent ductus arteriosus to take antibiotics to prevent infection before dental work and some surgeries. This is no longer recommended for most people with patent ductus arteriosus. Ask your healthcare professional whether preventive antibiotics are necessary. They might be recommended after certain heart procedures.
Surgery or other procedures
Treatments to close a patent ductus arteriosus include:
-
Using a thin tube called a catheter and a plug or coil to close the opening. This treatment is called a catheter procedure. It lets a doctor repair the opening without open-heart surgery.
To do this treatment, the doctor places the catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and guides it to the heart. A plug or coil goes through the catheter. The plug or coil closes the patent ductus arteriosus. The treatment doesn't usually need an overnight hospital stay.
Premature babies are too small for catheter treatments. If the PDA isn't causing trouble, a catheter treatment to close the opening may be done when the baby is older.
-
Open-heart surgery to close the PDA. This treatment is called surgical closure. It may be needed if medicine doesn't work or if the PDA is large or causing complications.
A surgeon makes a small cut between the ribs to reach the heart. The PDA is closed using stitches or clips. It usually takes a few weeks to fully recover from this surgery.
Some people born with PDA need regular health checkups for life, even after treatment to close the opening. During these checkups, a healthcare professional may do tests to check for complications. Talk with your healthcare professional about your care plan. Ideally, it's best to seek care from a doctor trained in treating adults with heart conditions before birth. This type of doctor is called a congenital cardiologist.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Anyone born with a patent ductus arteriosus needs to take steps to keep the heart healthy and prevent complications. These tips can help.
- Don't smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and other heart conditions. Quitting is the best way to reduce the risk. If you need help quitting, talk with your healthcare professional.
- Eat healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit sugar, salt and saturated fats.
- Practice good hygiene. Regularly wash your hands and brush and floss your teeth to keep yourself healthy.
- Ask about sports limits. Some people born with heart conditions may be told not to do some types of exercise or sports activities. Ask your healthcare professional which sports and types of exercise are safe for you or your child.
- Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Some tips are to get more exercise, practice mindfulness and connect with others in support groups. If you have anxiety or depression, talk with your healthcare professional about treatments that can help.
Preparing for your appointment
A large patent ductus arteriosus or one that's causing serious health concerns may be diagnosed immediately at birth. But some smaller ones might not be found until later in life. If you have a PDA, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions present at birth. This type of doctor is called a congenital cardiologist. A doctor with training in kids' heart conditions is called a pediatric cardiologist.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
- Be aware of restrictions before the appointment. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as not drink or eat before certain tests.
- Write down the symptoms, including any that might not seem related to patent ductus arteriosus or another heart condition.
- Write down important personal information, including any family history of heart conditions.
- Bring copies of past medical records, including reports from previous treatments or tests.
- Make a list of the medicines, vitamins and supplements that you or your child takes. Include the dosages.
- Take someone along, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember information you're given.
- Write down questions to ask the healthcare professional.
For patent ductus arteriosus, questions to ask include:
- Is the PDA causing complications?
- What tests are needed?
- Will I or my child need surgery?
- Should I or my child see a doctor trained in congenital heart defects?
- Is this condition passed down through families? If I have other children, how likely are they to have PDA?
- Do I need to limit my or my child's activities?
- Is there any information that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
The healthcare professional is likely to ask many questions, such as:
- When did you notice the symptoms?
- Are the symptoms always there or do they come and go?
- How bad are the symptoms?
- What, if anything, makes the symptoms better?
- What, if anything, makes the symptoms worse?
- What medicines have you or your child taken to treat the condition? What surgeries have you or your child had?
Jan. 29, 2025