Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a type of congenital heart defect that affects the structure of the heart. It is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels that are connected to the heart, known as the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

In a healthy fetus, the ductus arteriosus is a normal and necessary connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that allows blood to bypass the lungs. However, after birth, the ductus arteriosus usually closes within the first few days of life. In individuals with PDA, the ductus arteriosus remains open, allowing blood to flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

The severity of PDA can vary, depending on the size of the opening and the amount of blood that flows through it. Small PDAs may not cause any symptoms and may even close on their own over time. However, larger PDAs can lead to an increased workload on the heart, which can cause 

 symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and an increased risk of developing complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and infection.

Treatment for PDA typically involves repairing the opening through a surgical procedure or a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. In some cases, individuals with small PDAs may not require any treatment but will need to be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider.