Can you get pregnant with patent ductus arteriosus?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Patent ductus arteriosus refers to a congenital channel between the aorta and the pulmonary artery that fails to close. This can lead to a mixing of blood between the veins and arteries, thus deteriorating heart function. Generally, individuals with this condition can become pregnant after treatment. Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect that does not have hereditary properties and does not prevent one from having children. However, it is advised for individuals with this condition to undergo surgical treatment before attempting to conceive and bear children. If the ductus arteriosus remains untreated, the increased heart load during late pregnancy can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and respiratory distress. It is recommended that these individuals undergo minimally invasive surgical treatment or conventional surgical treatment before planning for pregnancy, as this will be more appropriate.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Will patent ductus arteriosus increase with age?

Patent ductus arteriosus is a type of congenital heart disease, primarily treated through surgery. Early surgical intervention can completely cure this disease. However, as age increases, the symptoms of this disease can become more severe. Based on the patient's condition, it is recommended to undergo early surgical treatment at a hospital to alleviate the patient's suffering. As age increases, various organic diseases may emerge, which can sometimes affect a child's growth and development. During this period, it is advised that the patient regularly revisits the hospital for echocardiography checks and to also be cautious in preventing upper respiratory infections.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Can you get pregnant with patent ductus arteriosus?

Patent ductus arteriosus refers to a congenital channel between the aorta and the pulmonary artery that fails to close. This can lead to a mixing of blood between the veins and arteries, thus deteriorating heart function. Generally, individuals with this condition can become pregnant after treatment. Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect that does not have hereditary properties and does not prevent one from having children. However, it is advised for individuals with this condition to undergo surgical treatment before attempting to conceive and bear children. If the ductus arteriosus remains untreated, the increased heart load during late pregnancy can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and respiratory distress. It is recommended that these individuals undergo minimally invasive surgical treatment or conventional surgical treatment before planning for pregnancy, as this will be more appropriate.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
1min 37sec home-news-image

Why does patent ductus arteriosus cause differential cyanosis?

The arterial duct refers to a blood vessel connecting the main pulmonary artery and the aorta, which is normally present during fetal development. It allows blood from the mother's placenta to seep into the pulmonary artery and then enter the aorta to supply the entire body's vasculature. After the birth of an infant, this blood vessel naturally closes, typically within 3 months, and most people will have it closed by 1 year. If it has not closed after 1 year, it is referred to as patent ductus arteriosus. Because the arterial duct can connect the aorta and the main pulmonary artery, blood from the systemic circulation in the aorta may directly return to the pulmonary artery at this time. If the pulmonary artery blood flow significantly increases, it can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension and might also cause right ventricular hypertrophy. Increased cardiac workload can lead to right-sided heart failure and may also cause left-sided heart failure. When severe left-sided heart failure occurs, a right-to-left shunt can develop, which allows pulmonary artery blood to directly enter the aorta, causing venous blood to be delivered directly into the systemic circulation. At this point, differential cyanosis occurs, characterized by bluish discoloration of the upper limbs and mild blueness in the lower limbs.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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How to treat patent ductus arteriosus?

The arterial duct connects the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, serving as the primary channel for blood circulation during the fetal period. After birth, it generally becomes obstructed within a few months due to disuse; if it remains open after one year, it is referred to as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The length and diameter of an unclosed arterial duct vary, affecting hemodynamics differently, and consequently, prognoses differ. An unclosed arterial duct can easily induce infectious endocarditis; thus, even if the shunt is small, it is advisable to seek early interventional or surgical treatment. The surgery has a high safety success rate and can be performed at any age. However, surgery is contraindicated for patients who have developed secondary pulmonary artery obstruction and exhibit right-to-left shunting.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can you swim with patent ductus arteriosus?

If the patient has a history of patent ductus arteriosus, it is recommended that they avoid vigorous exercise, as this can increase the heart's oxygen consumption, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. If it is solely this condition, sometimes palpitations may occur, leading to changes in cardiac function. It is advised not to swim. While appropriate exercise can be beneficial, swimming requires better cardiopulmonary function. It is recommended that patients undergo early surgical treatment to improve their current condition.