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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Feeling good with PDA
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Feeling good with PDA
by Gina, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
I am a very active 30 yr. old physical education teacher, aquatic therapist, and aerobic instructor. I have always had a "murmur," but have had no symptoms of problems with my heart. About six weeks ago, I noticed a few sharp chest pain, purple nail beds, and decreased aerobic endurance. After wearing a 24 hour monitor, my physician found that my resting heart rate at night is 37 beats per minute. I had an echogram this past week and it was confirmed that I have an PDA. Is this something that they will simply monitor or is it sometimes fixed with surgery. I sure don't want to "slow down." Thank you for any information!!
Sincerely,
Gina T
Sincerely,
Gina T
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Gina,
The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta and is an important part of the fetal blood circulation. It normally closes shortly after birth. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is due to a failure of the ductus to close after birth and occurs in 1 in 2000 people with a female predominance. Usually with time it will eventually close but by the time someone is in their 30's spontaneous closure is rare.
The risks of a PDA are for infectious endarteritis and a "strain" on the right side of the heart. For these reasons closure of the PDA is usually recommended. This can be done either by surgery or with a catheter. Hope this information helps.
The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta and is an important part of the fetal blood circulation. It normally closes shortly after birth. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is due to a failure of the ductus to close after birth and occurs in 1 in 2000 people with a female predominance. Usually with time it will eventually close but by the time someone is in their 30's spontaneous closure is rare.
The risks of a PDA are for infectious endarteritis and a "strain" on the right side of the heart. For these reasons closure of the PDA is usually recommended. This can be done either by surgery or with a catheter. Hope this information helps.
Member Comments (3)
by Bev, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
I'm just wondering, is a PDA the same thing as an AP window? Thanks.
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
No. A PDA is a heart maliformation. An AP window is either referring to a type of view with xray or a type of ENT surgical procedure.
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