Illustration of a heart with an open vessel, symbolizing persistent ductus arteriosus.

The Silent Heart Thief: How a Hidden Defect Surfaced in a 72-Year-Old

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the unexpected link between a congenital heart condition and age-related health issues, revealing the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients."

Treating health issues in elderly individuals often presents unique challenges, particularly when congenital heart conditions are diagnosed late in life. Congenital heart defects, present from birth, can sometimes remain undetected until adulthood, leading to complications that require careful and tailored management.

One such condition is Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), where a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth remains open. This can lead to various heart and lung problems over time. While PDA is relatively common in children, its diagnosis in older adults is rare, making treatment decisions complex.

This article explores the case of a 72-year-old woman with a history of depression, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and a previous stroke, who was diagnosed with PDA. Her case highlights the difficulties in managing multiple health issues in elderly patients and the importance of personalized treatment approaches.

Unraveling the Mystery: Diagnosing PDA in Later Life

Illustration of a heart with an open vessel, symbolizing persistent ductus arteriosus.

Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery, fails to close after birth. While this condition is typically diagnosed and treated in infancy or childhood, it can sometimes go unnoticed until adulthood.

In the presented case, the 72-year-old woman's PDA was discovered during an echocardiogram, a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The echocardiogram revealed a shunt, or abnormal flow of blood, between the aorta and pulmonary artery, indicating the presence of PDA.

Here are key signs and symptoms of PDA:

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Heart murmur
Pulmonary hypertension

The patient's medical history also included depression, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats), and a previous stroke. These co-existing conditions complicated the diagnostic and treatment process. The patient's depression, in particular, posed a challenge as it affected her willingness to undergo further diagnostic tests and treatment.

Navigating Treatment Challenges and Personalized Care

Treating elderly patients with PDA requires a careful and individualized approach. The presence of other health conditions, such as depression and atrial fibrillation, can complicate treatment decisions. Balancing the benefits and risks of interventions, such as surgery or medication, is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Close monitoring and collaboration among healthcare providers are essential to manage these complex cases effectively. In the case of the 72-year-old woman, her successful management highlights the importance of personalized care and attention to both physical and mental well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5114/aoms.2011.25572, Alternate LINK

Title: Persistent Ductus Arteriosus In A 72-Year-Old Woman With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation And Depression Syndrome: A Therapeutic And Diagnostic Problem

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Archives of Medical Science

Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.

Authors: Adam Rafał Poliwczak, Marzena Koziróg, Justyna Zabielska, Agnieszka Bała, Piotr Lipiec, Marlena Broncel

Published: 2011-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and why is it significant in this context?

Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel, doesn't close after birth. It's a condition present from birth but can remain unnoticed until adulthood. In this context, the case of a 72-year-old woman underscores the importance of understanding this defect, especially when it surfaces later in life, potentially complicating other health issues. The implications of PDA involve possible heart and lung problems, especially if left untreated. The diagnosis in later life can be complex because of other health issues.

How was Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) diagnosed in this case?

In the case of a 72-year-old woman, diagnosis involved an echocardiogram, a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This test revealed a shunt, or abnormal blood flow, indicating the presence of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The presence of PDA was linked to atrial fibrillation, depression, and a previous stroke. Diagnostic complexity increases with age and the presence of co-existing conditions. This shows the importance of looking into the overall health, not just the specific condition, when dealing with elderly patients.

What are the common signs and symptoms of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, heart murmur, and pulmonary hypertension. The article highlights that these symptoms, coupled with existing conditions such as depression and atrial fibrillation, complicate the diagnostic process. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, but their interpretation can be complicated by other health issues. For older adults, these symptoms can be easily attributed to aging or other existing conditions, making early diagnosis more difficult.

What are the challenges in treating elderly patients with Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

Treating elderly patients diagnosed with Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) requires a personalized approach. This involves managing other conditions, like depression and atrial fibrillation. Treatment decisions are complex, balancing the benefits and risks of interventions. The case of the 72-year-old woman emphasizes the need for tailored care, considering both physical and mental well-being. It also underscores the necessity for effective collaboration among healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

How do other health conditions, like atrial fibrillation, impact the treatment of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, a condition that, along with depression and a previous stroke, complicated the management of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in the 72-year-old woman. These co-existing issues required careful consideration in treatment decisions. The presence of these additional conditions impacts treatment strategies and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in elderly patients. The implications of these co-existing issues are that the management of PDA is not only about the congenital defect itself but also about managing other health issues which can significantly affect the patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes.