What age does PDA usually show?

When Do Symptoms of PDA Typically Appear?

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus — which normally closes shortly after birth — remains open. The timing of symptoms can vary widely depending on the size of the opening and the individual’s overall heart function.

A small PDA might go unnoticed for years, especially if it causes minimal disruption to blood flow. In these cases, individuals may not experience any obvious symptoms at all, and the condition could remain undetected until adulthood. Often, it’s only picked up incidentally during a routine check-up when a doctor hears a heart murmur.

However, a larger PDA can cause more immediate and serious problems. In newborns, this can lead to signs of heart failure within days or weeks of birth — symptoms like rapid breathing, poor feeding, and difficulty gaining weight. These infants may sweat excessively during feeding and tire easily, clear indicators that the heart is working harder than normal.

While premature babies are at a higher risk of PDA and are closely monitored, full-term infants and even adults can also be diagnosed. In fact, some people live with a small, asymptomatic PDA well into adulthood without ever knowing it.

Early detection and treatment — which may include medication, catheter procedures, or surgery — can prevent long-term complications like pulmonary hypertension or heart damage. The key is awareness: if a persistent murmur or unexplained fatigue appears at any age, it’s worth investigating further.