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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Patent Foramen Ovale And High BP?

My son, who is 26 and a college student, was recently diagnosed with a PFO. He has no symptoms and this was discovered as a result of a physical. The internist heard a murmur and he was referred for a TEE. The cardiologist said the hole is small and he was told to come back for another test in one year. Interestingly, he was told that he has high blood pressure. He is also a smoker and was told to cease.

Question 1: Should he get a second opinion?

Wed, 20 Jul 2016
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello ,
PFO is a very common occurance and is present in as many as 2 % of general population, undiagnosed in many of the patients . Hence most of the PFO require no treatment and hence should be left alone .
Hyper blood pressure is not related to PFO , however it per say increase the flow through the opening causing the murmur .
Yes he should stop smoking , consider low salt diet , omit junk food and consider anaerobic exercise to bring the blood pressure under control.
Per say just a follow up after a year to know if there is any increase in size and reassess other associated finding would be enough .
I would Lastly advice strictly against any use of recreational drugs ever in life .
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
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What Is The Treatment For Patent Foramen Ovale And High BP?

Hello , PFO is a very common occurance and is present in as many as 2 % of general population, undiagnosed in many of the patients . Hence most of the PFO require no treatment and hence should be left alone . Hyper blood pressure is not related to PFO , however it per say increase the flow through the opening causing the murmur . Yes he should stop smoking , consider low salt diet , omit junk food and consider anaerobic exercise to bring the blood pressure under control. Per say just a follow up after a year to know if there is any increase in size and reassess other associated finding would be enough . I would Lastly advice strictly against any use of recreational drugs ever in life . Regards Dr Priyank Mody