HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Patent Foramen Ovale?

I HAVE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A PATENT FORAMEN OVALE ON THE BASIS OF MILDLY DILATED LEFT ATRIUM WITH SLIGHTLY MOBILE SEPTAL MOVEMENTS NOTED, PLEASE COULD YOU EXPLAIN IN LAY MANS TERMS, WHY I HAVE THIS CAN IT BE CURED. THIS CAME TO LIGHT AFTER AN ECHO SCAN AS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING BLACKOUTS.
Wed, 20 Aug 2014
Report Abuse
Cardiologist,  's  Response
Dear Sir
Thanks for your query.
A patent foramen ovale is a congenital condition where a door between the left and right atrium (posterior chambers of heart which receive blood) can open , only from right to left direction if pressure on right side is high. It can not send blood form left to right by definition except for one rare situation. The hazards which has been associated with PFO are passage of paradoxical clots from right heart to left heart. Beside cryptogenic stroke and headaches has been proposed to be associated with this condition but not conclusively proven.
Closure of PFO is being done in some centers but it is for certain situations only and not a standard procedure as yet.
sincerely
Sukhvinder
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Atrial septal defect


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Patent Foramen Ovale?

Dear Sir Thanks for your query. A patent foramen ovale is a congenital condition where a door between the left and right atrium (posterior chambers of heart which receive blood) can open , only from right to left direction if pressure on right side is high. It can not send blood form left to right by definition except for one rare situation. The hazards which has been associated with PFO are passage of paradoxical clots from right heart to left heart. Beside cryptogenic stroke and headaches has been proposed to be associated with this condition but not conclusively proven. Closure of PFO is being done in some centers but it is for certain situations only and not a standard procedure as yet. sincerely Sukhvinder