Final answer:
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close, causing complications such as shortness of breath and tachycardia in infants. Treatment options include drug therapy and surgical procedures. Tetralogy of Fallot is another serious congenital defect requiring surgical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Congenital Heart Defects
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital condition occurring when the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. This can cause blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary artery, leading to increased pulmonary pressure and respiratory difficulties in infants. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tachycardia, and poor weight gain. Treatments range from noninvasive drug therapies to surgical interventions, such as ligation or catheter device closure. Tetralogy of Fallot is another severe congenital heart defect involving four anatomical abnormalities, including ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis, which can lead to cyanosis and require extensive surgical repair.
Congenital heart defects such as PDA and Tetralogy of Fallot are critical conditions that if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening consequences like congestive heart failure.