What symptoms can patent foramen ovale cause in newborns?

Patent foramen ovale in newborns may cause abnormal symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the lips, chest tightness, and fatigue.

1. Palpitations

Palpitations mainly manifest as a sensation of heart racing or fluttering, with noticeably intense or irregular heartbeat, leading to significant discomfort.

2. Shortness of breath

If a newborn experiences severe wheezing, it may lead to difficulty breathing—such as feeling insufficient air intake, labored breathing requiring extra effort, and possibly finding it easier to breathe while sitting up.

3. Cyanosis of the lips

After the occurrence of patent foramen ovale in newborns, inadequate blood supply from the heart typically causes the lips to turn blue or even dark.

4. Chest tightness and fatigue

Following patent foramen ovale in newborns, heart function is usually affected, resulting in discomfort such as palpitations and rapid breathing. Symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, significantly increased heart rate, and discomfort in the precordial area, and may even lead to abnormal conditions such as difficulty breathing.