We are all born with a blood vessel called a ‘ductus arteriosus’ – don’t be freaked out by the Latin! It’s just a long word that describes the connection between the two major blood vessels in the body - the aorta, which carries red (high oxygen) blood to the body and the pulmonary artery, which carries blue (low oxygen) blood to the lungs.
» Click here to take an animated tour of the normal heart
Normally this connection closes within a few hours after birth, so that there is no flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
The term PDA is shorthand for Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Translating this into plain English:
Therefore, PDA means an OPEN BLOOD VESSEL between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
The problem with this blood vessel remaining open is that blood continues to flow from the aorta into the lungs. Small PDAs are usually not a big deal because this blood flow is limited. However, if it’s a big PDA, lots of blood can flow into the lungs. This can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, also known as pulmonary hypertension.
It’s not very common in adults, but we still see quite a few people with PDAs.
If I have a PDA, what do I need to know?
The symptoms of a PDA depend on its size and how much blood flows to the lungs. Small PDAs usually cause no symptoms and treatment is rarely needed.
Larger PDAs can cause weakening of the heart muscle and pulmonary hypertension. You should tell your doctor about the following symptoms:
Most small PDAs don’t cause any symptoms. Still, it’s a good idea to check in with your cardiologist to make sure that the heart is OK, and to prevent complications.
Larger PDAs are rare in adults since most of these are corrected during childhood. Treatment options in adults with a PDA include:
You can discuss which option is best for you after speaking with your cardiologist.
Some patients with open PDAs get high pressures in the lung and low oxygen levels. This is called Eisenmenger Syndrome. If you have Eisenmenger Syndrome, you definitely need to be seen by cardiologists or respirologists in an Adult CHD centre. Treatment can include:
This website is designed specifically for young people with congenital heart disease. The goal is to provide information to help people who are getting ready to move (or have recently moved) to adult heart care. We use the term ‘transition’ to describe this process. Family, friends and health care providers may also find this website helpful.
Please be advised this site does not provide medical advice. All of the content on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, please consult your family physician. If you have or suspect you are experiencing a health emergency, please promptly visit a Hospital Emergency Department in your area. Reliance on any information provided on or provided in relation to the site is solely at your own risk. Contributors to this website are not responsible, nor liable, for any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of the information contained within this site.
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HELPING YOU MAKE THE MOVE TO ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE CARE
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This website is designed mainly for young people with congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim is to help people feel more ready to “transition” from pediatric to adult care. And we know that family, friends and health care providers might also want to check it out!
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