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Patent foramen ovale



Introduction: Patent foramen ovale

A defect (incomplete closure) in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. The defect is a normal occurrence before birth but the opening eventually closes over in about 80% of people. Straining caused by sneezing or coughing can cause the defect to push open and allow blood to flow between the two chambers. This means that the blood doesn't pass through the lungs where any waste such as clots are removed. This contaminated blood can result in clots traveling to other parts of the body where they can become lodged and cause conditions such as strokes. Also called PFO.

Symptoms of Patent foramen ovale

  • Usually asymptomatic
  • Increased incidence of stroke
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Wrongly Diagnosed with Patent foramen ovale?

Causes of Patent foramen ovale

Read more about causes of Patent foramen ovale.

More information about causes of Patent foramen ovale:

Treatments for Patent foramen ovale

  • Usually none
  • Anticoagulation
  • Surgery to repair the defect

Read more about treatments for Patent foramen ovale

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