Diagnosis
You may be suspected to have a PDA based on your heartbeat. To diagnose, you might have following tests:
- Echocardiogram.
- Chest X-ray.
- Electrocardiogram.
- Cardiac catheterization.
Treatment
The age of the patient affects the treament option. Common options are:
- Watchful waiting - for premature baby or small PDA causing no health problems.
- Medications - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block the hormonelike chemicals in the body that keep the PDA open.
- Surgical closure.
- Catheter procedures.