Tests for heart and circulatory conditions
Tests are used to diagnose a heart condition or to see how healthy your heart is. Find out what to expect from some of the most common tests.
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Patent ductus arteriosus explained
Before you’re born you have a short blood vessel that connects two main arteries in your heart, the aorta and pulmonary artery. It stops blood flowing to your lungs before you’re born. This blood vessel is called the ductus arteriosus.
After you’re born your lungs fill with air and blood will start flowing to your lungs. This means the duct is no longer needed. It usually closes by itself within the first week after you’re born.
Sometimes the duct does not close by itself and remains open (patent). This is called patent ductus arteriosus or PDA.
How it affects your heart and lungs
PDA can cause blood to flow the wrong way in your heart and too much blood to be delivered to your lungs.
This change in blood flow means your heart and lungs need to work harder. Over time this can cause damage to your heart and lungs and cause conditions, like high blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension.
If the duct is small your heart and lungs are less likely to get damaged. But there is a risk of infection inside the duct as you get older, so it’s recommended that even small ducts are closed.
PDA is more common in premature babies. Find more information about PDA in premature babies from Tiny Tickers.
Symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus
Larger PDAs cause more symptoms. If you have a small PDA then you may have no symptoms except for a heart murmur.
This is a swishing noise created by the blood flowing the wrong way in your heart. Doctors can hear a heart murmur when they listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Other signs and symptoms include:
Babies and children
- not feeding or eating well
- sweating while feeding or eating
- not gaining weight.
Adults
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- irregular or extra heart beats
- fast breathing or shortness of breath, especially when exercising.
If you have any of these symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse, speak to your doctor. Symptoms can be a sign that your heart is working harder than normal, and you may need treatment.
Diagnosing patent ductus arteriosus
Most people with PDA will be diagnosed shortly after they’re born during a routine health check.
If you’re diagnosed as an adult, you may find out you have a PDA when having checks for other conditions or if you’ve been having symptoms.
The most common test to diagnose PDA is an echocardiogram. You may also have:
If you're diagnosed as an adult, you may also need a cardiac MRI or a special type of cardiac catheterisation for heart defects. These tests will look at your heart in more detail and check the blood flow through your heart.
These tests do not hurt. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or worries before having them.
Causes of patent ductus arteriosus
We do not know why PDA happens. Not knowing what has caused your condition can be frustrating. It can help to find out more about the causes of congenital heart disease.
Treating patent ductus arteriosus
If you have PDA, it’s usually treated with surgery.
Smaller PDAs are usually treated with keyhole surgery, but larger PDAs may need more invasive heart surgery to close them.
In some cases, people with PDA may be given medicine, such as indomethacin, to help close the duct. It's not suitable for everyone and is more likely to be given if you’re a baby or child when you’re diagnosed.
Treating your PDA will depend on different factors. Talk to your team about what options may be right for you.
Keyhole surgery (cardiac catheterisation)
Before surgery you’ll be given general anaesthetic. This is like being asleep and you do not feel any pain.
During keyhole surgery a small cut is made in the skin at the top of your leg and a long thin tube (called a catheter) is put into a vein.
The tube is guided to your heart and either a small coil or a wire plug will be used to close the duct. Your healthcare team may call it a medical device.
The tube is then removed, and the coil or plug stays in place for the rest of your life. Over time, usually after a few weeks, your own tissue will grow around it and seal the duct completely.
Heart surgery
Before surgery you’ll be given general anaesthetic. This is like being asleep and you do not feel any pain.
The surgeon will get to your heart through a space between your ribs, this is called a thoracotomy. They will then tie your duct with stitches or clips to close it. The cut near your ribs will then be closed.
Recovery after surgery
Once your surgery or procedure is finished, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll receive specialist care. When you’re well enough you’ll be moved to a ward where you’ll recover.
The length of time you stay in hospital will depend on what surgery you've had.
You may be given medicine to take while you’re recovering. The hospital team will talk to you about this before you go home.
It’s normal to have questions about your recovery after surgery. Speak to your surgeon or nurse specialist about recovery, and any other questions you have.
Living with patent ductus arteriosus
It’s normal to feel anxious after being diagnosed. You may feel worried about your condition and how it will affect your life.
Most people with a repaired duct live a normal life. It's important to go to your follow-up appointments, even if you feel well. Your doctor will let you know how often they need to see you to make sure your heart is healthy.
- Read about the emotional impact of living with congenital heart disease.
Staying active
Most people can exercise normally, and staying active can help you manage your health.
It’s still best to speak to your doctor if you have PDA to find out what kind of exercise is best for you.
Family planning
If you’re pregnant or planning to have a family, it's important to speak to your doctor. They can discuss options with you, make sure you’re supported and get the right care.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a rare infection that causes inflammation of the valves and inner lining of the heart.
People with congenital heart diseases, including PDA, have an increased risk of endocarditis. To reduce the risk of developing endocarditis, your doctor or dentist might recommend antibiotics before or after any surgery or procedures.
More information and support
Here are some ways you can get support.
- Read common questions about congenital heart disease. We talk about things like alcohol, mental health, preparing for surgery, and more.
- If you still have questions, speak to our cardiac nurses on our Heart Helpline by phone, callback, email or online chat (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
- You can also speak to others with heart conditions by joining a support group or online community.
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