About a PFO
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a common condition where a small flap-like structure in the heart allows blood to cross over from the right atrium into the left atrium of the heart. This means that unfiltered venous blood bypasses the filtering of the lungs and mixes with freshly filtered arterial blood for recirculation through the brain and body.
It is normal for a foetus to have this hole as it would naturally close after birth, however for 25% – 30% of people it does not close and some are large.
It is not known why only a certain portion of the population retains a PFO. It is also not known why some people are unaffected and why others are affected by migraines, strokes, fatigue, breathing issues and decompression illness.
50% of people who suffer from the conditions below have a significantly sized hole in the heart.
- Migraines with Aura
- Stroke
- Exercise Intolerance
- High Blood Pressure
- Brain Fog
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
Managing a PFO
Once detected, there are a variety of options to manage PFOs, including closing the hole entirely. Options include:
- Medicine such as aspirin or anticoagulants to help prevent blood clots
- Closure of the PFO with a minimally invasive procedure. You are in experienced hands, with a high safety profile, taking approximately 20 – 30 minutes. The procedure is minimally invasive using a catheter and avoids open heart surgery.
- Closure of the PFO during open heart surgery. This is rare and typically not recommended, as a catheter-based procedure is far less invasive and more affordable
Stroke Risk
If a person has a PFO their risk of stroke is much higher due to foreign particles reaching the brain and blocking a vessel, causing a stroke. These foreign particles may be a result of:
- Blood Clots / DVTs and blood clotting disorders
- Fat associated with fractures of bones, orthopaedic surgery, liposuction surgery
- Nitrogen associated with ‘the bends’ and scuba diving
It is not known why only a certain portion of the population retains a PFO. It is also not known why some people are unaffected and why others are stricken by migraines, strokes, fatigue, breathing issues, and decompression illness.
