How Common is Patent Foramen Ovale?
The prevalence of PFO is about 25 percent in the general population. In patients who have stroke of unknown cause (cryptogenic stroke), the prevalence of PFO increases to about 40 percent. This is especially true in patients who have had a stroke at age less than 55 years. (http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/37/2/577) A PFO can be associated with atrial septal aneurysm, which is characterized by excessive mobility of the atrial septum. Symptoms of PFO Most patients do not have any symptoms with PFO. Stroke and PFO: About 40 percent of patients who have an ischemic stroke have no known cause (called cryptogenic stroke). PFO is present and associated with an increase in stroke in about 40 percent of cases. The most common symptoms of stroke are: • weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body • loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes • loss of speech, difficulty talking or understanding what others are saying sudden, sever
