Difference between PFO and PDA

Patent foramen oval (PFO): An opening in the wall between the upper right and left chambers of the heart that doesn't close properly after birth. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A hole in the heart's main artery (aorta) that doesn't close properly after birth.

1. What is the difference between PFO and ASD?
2. What is a PDA in the heart?
3. Is PFO the same as a heart murmur?
4. Why is PDA a left to right shunt?
5. Does PFO cause stroke?
6. Does a PFO need to be fixed?
7. Can PDA be cured?
8. Is PDA life threatening?
9. How common is PDA?
10. When should a PFO be closed?
11. Can a PFO make you tired?
12. Can a PFO cause a heart attack?

What is the difference between PFO and ASD?

PFO is a flap-like hole in the inter-atrial septum that can allow blood to go from the right to left chambers and could be a cause for stroke. ASD is a defect (hole) in the inter-atrial septum that typically allow blood to go from the left to right chambers and can lead to symptoms and reduced heart function.

What is a PDA in the heart?

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The opening (ductus arteriosus) is a normal part of a baby's circulatory system in the womb that usually closes shortly after birth.

Is PFO the same as a heart murmur?

A PFO does not cause a heart murmur. Because any blood that flows through the hole is at low pressure, no extra sounds are heard when listening to the heart. Usually a PFO is found when looking for something else. A heart ultrasound test called an echocardiogram will show a PFO if it is there.

Why is PDA a left to right shunt?

Thus, a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) produces a left-to-right shunt. In other words, it allows blood to go from the systemic circulation to the pulmonary circulation. Therefore, pulmonary blood flow is excessive (see the image below). Pulmonary engorgement results with decreased pulmonary compliance.

Does PFO cause stroke?

PFO is most commonly found during tests for heart-related problems, such as atrial fibrillation. To be clear, PFO doesn't actually cause stroke. But in some people, it can create a way for a blood clot to travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

Does a PFO need to be fixed?

In most cases of PFO, no treatment is necessary. A PFO can be closed by a catheterization procedure. In this procedure, your surgeon inserts a plug into the hole using a long tube called a catheter that is usually inserted at your groin.

Can PDA be cured?

There is no cure for PDA. Treatment interventions can be difficult for individuals with PDA as the nature of the disorder means that the individual is obsessively concerned with avoiding any demands placed upon them, including treatment methods.

Is PDA life threatening?

It is important to correct PDA because it can lead to congestive heart failure and a disease of the right side of the heart (called cor pulmonale) later in life. PDA also increases the risk of endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the lining that covers the heart chambers, valves, and main arteries.

How common is PDA?

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a relatively common congenital heart defect in the United States. The condition occurs more often in premature infants (on average, occurring in about 8 of every 1,000 births). However, PDA also occurs in full-term infants (on average, occurring in about 2 of every 1,000 births).

When should a PFO be closed?

The foramen ovale usually closes 6 months to a year after the baby's birth. When the foramen ovale stays open after birth, it's called a patent (PAY-tent, which means "open") foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO usually causes no problems. If a newborn has congenital heart defects, the foramen ovale is more likely to stay open.

Can a PFO make you tired?

Symptoms of Patent Foramen Ovale or Atrial Septal Defects

Besides a stroke, blood traveling between the atrial chambers of the heart may cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or cardiac rhythm abnormalities.

Can a PFO cause a heart attack?

Most patients with a PFO do not have any symptoms. However, the condition may play a role in migraine headaches and it increases the risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack and heart attack.