Symptoms of Patent Foramen Ovale!
Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale!
Treatment of Patent Foramen Ovale!
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that usually closes before birth. But in some people, it fails to close and remains open into adulthood which is when it starts producing its actual symptoms. It is usually a harmless condition, but can sometimes be associated with serious health problems that can potentially lead to high risk conditions including stroke, heart attack, and other serious developmental conditions.
Symptoms of Patent Foramen Ovale!
There are usually no symptoms associated with patent foramen ovale. However, in some cases, the hole can allow blood to flow between the left and right sides of the heart, which can lead to problems such as stroke, severe migraine headaches, or heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). With the advancement of age, some people with this condition initially start to experience mild to moderate symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must refer to a cardiologist who may recommend doing an echocardiogram to check if your signs and symptoms are related to PFO.
Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale!
If your doctor suspects you have a PFO, they may recommend further testing, such as a cardiac MRI, echocardiography, or a cardiac CT scan. These tests can help him confirm the diagnosis. Furthermore, depending on your severity of symptoms, your doctor may recommend a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) or TTE (transthoracic echocardiogram) to check for a PFO if you have certain risk factors for stroke, such as:
- Migraine headaches with aura
- Cryptogenic stroke (stroke of unknown cause)
- History of transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Transesophageal Echocardiogram – A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. The test is done using an ultrasound probe that is inserted down your throat and into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) to take real-time images of your heart to evaluate for PFO.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram – A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is also a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart from a different approach. This test is done using an ultrasound probe that is placed on your chest to take real-time heart images.
Treatment of Patent Foramen Ovale!
There are two main treatment options for treating PFO: medical therapy and surgical closure.
- Medical Therapy – It involves taking medications to help reduce the risk of stroke. Medications typically used include blood thinners and antiplatelet agents.
- Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Using Catheterization – It involves repairing the hole in the heart with a surgical device inserted via a thin catheter tube into your blood vessel to reach your heart.
The best treatment option for you will depend on a number of factors. These include age, overall health, and your risk of stroke. If you are younger & healthy, you may be able to manage your PFO with medical therapy. If you are older or have other risk factors for stroke, you may need to have surgery to close the hole.
Dr. Arun – Your Go-To Specialist for World-Class Treatment of PFO
Are you struggling to find an expert interventional cardiologist near you who can treat your PFO condition to perfection? Then, don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Arun. He is a board-certified interventional cardiologist. He has great experience and skills in successfully treating even the most complicated PFOs.
