Is patent ductus arteriosus related to staying up late during pregnancy?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

Updated on September 11, 2024

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The arterial duct refers to a continuous duct between the main trunk of the pulmonary artery and the aorta during the embryonic period of the fetus. Through this duct, blood from the placenta can be delivered to the infant's body for tissue oxygenation.

Therefore, the arterial duct is originally a normal tissue in the embryo. After the birth of the infant, the majority of arterial ducts will close within a few months. If it has not closed after one year, it can be diagnosed as congenital patent ductus arteriosus. Therefore, there is no relationship between patent ductus arteriosus and staying up late during pregnancy.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

1min

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What will happen if patent ductus arteriosus is not treated with surgery?

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus are characterized by a congenital connection between the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch. This is a remnant passageway that was used during embryonic development to supply blood within the umbilical vessels, ensuring the development of the infant. Normally, this ductus arteriosus may close on its own within a few months. If it does not close after one year from birth, it is considered a patent ductus arteriosus. This condition can lead to increased workload on the heart. Because it allows blood pumped into the aorta to return to the right ventricle, over time, this can increase the burden on the left ventricle as well as the right ventricle. This may lead to heart failure and, in severe cases, trigger Eisenmenger's syndrome. If this condition reaches such a state, the patient loses the opportunity for surgery, resulting in a shortened lifespan.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

56sec

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Can a patent ductus arteriosus heal by itself?

The ductus arteriosus is a duct that fetal blood must pass through as it is transported from the placenta to the aorta. This duct connects between the main pulmonary artery and the aorta of the fetus and generally closes on its own after birth. Most patients can close it spontaneously within three months, but the likelihood of closure diminishes if it surpasses one year. Therefore, for patent ductus arteriosus, some people can heal on their own, while others, especially children over one year old, cannot heal by themselves and are advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible. This is because the patent ductus arteriosus can cause a condition similar to an arteriovenous fistula, increasing the workload on the heart, leading to cardiac hypertrophy and eventual heart failure.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 46sec

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What are the symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus?

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus may exhibit several clinical manifestations based on the amount of shunting. 1. Small shunt volume: The internal diameter of the patent ductus arteriosus is small, and the patient may exhibit no subjective symptoms. The prominent sign is a continuous machinery murmur heard at the left sternal border at the second intercostal space and below the left clavicle, accompanied by a thrill; pulse pressure may slightly increase. 2. Moderate shunt: Patients commonly experience fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort after exertion. The heart murmur is similar in character to the above but louder, accompanied by a thrill, and widely transmitted. At times, diastolic and mild systolic murmurs caused by left ventricular enlargement, relative mitral valve insufficiency, and stenosis can be heard at the apex, with a positive vascular sign. 3. Large shunt volume: This condition in a patent ductus arteriosus often accompanies secondary severe pulmonary hypertension, leading to a right-to-left shunt. The typical murmur's diastolic component may diminish or disappear, followed by the disappearance of the systolic murmur, and only a diastolic murmur due to pulmonic valve insufficiency can be heard. Patients often exhibit cyanosis and severe clinical symptoms.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

51sec

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Will patent ductus arteriosus show signs of peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular signs refer to a medical sign characterized by enhanced pulsation of the peripheral arteries and capillaries due to increased pulse pressure. Patients with a patent ductus arteriosus can experience increased pulse pressure, leading to rapid rises and falls in pressure within the peripheral vessels, thereby causing a series of peripheral vascular signs. When a patent ductus arteriosus is combined with peripheral vascular signs, indicating a substantial shunt, it is advisable for such individuals to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Delaying surgery may lead to a right-to-left shunt, resulting in Eisenmenger's syndrome, and the loss of the opportunity for surgical intervention.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

38sec

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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.