Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Symptoms

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that affects some babies soon after birth. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. These arteries are the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Part of: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Signs and Symptoms of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A heart murmur may be the only sign that a baby has patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during the heartbeat. Heart murmurs also have other causes besides PDA, and most murmurs are harmless.

Some infants may have signs or symptoms of volume overload on the heart and excess blood flow in the lungs. These signs and symptoms may include:

Fast breathing, working hard to breathe, and shortness of breath. Premature infants may need extra oxygen or a ventilator to help them breathe. Poor feeding and poor weight gain. Tiring easily. Sweating with exertion, such as while feeding.

How Is Patent Ductus Arteriosus Diagnosed?

In full-term infants, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) usually is first suspected if a heart murmur is heard during a routine checkup.

A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during the heartbeat. Heart murmurs have other causes besides… Read more about Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Symptoms