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Living with PDA1

A heart condition in newborns in which a blood vessel needed before birth stays open.

Understanding PDA1

PDA1 (patent ductus arteriosus) is a heart condition in which the ductus arteriosus blood vessel stays open after birth.

Before birth, this vessel carries blood from the lung artery to the aorta so the baby can get oxygen without using the lungs. After birth, it should close. If it stays open, it is called PDA and, left untreated, can cause problems such as high blood pressure in the lungs and heart failure. It can happen in babies born early, and may close by itself or with medicine.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Does the duct need medicine or a procedure to close?
How will we check my baby's heart and lungs over time?
What is the chance this could happen again in our family?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

PDA is usually not considered a genetic disorder, but it can happen again in about 5% of siblings, which suggests a genetic part. GARD lists this form as autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: patent ductus arteriosus 1; patent ductus arteriosus, susceptibility to

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · PDA1GARD ID 7342 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with PDA1.

Explore the PDA1 blog

Explore research for PDA1

Explore actively recruiting PDA1 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for PDA1 with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting PDA1 studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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HealthStoryfor PDA1

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HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your PDA1 experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

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