What is a Patent Foramen Ovale?
The Foramen Ovale is an opening between the upper chambers of the heart called the right and left atria. This connection is necessary during fetal life but normally closes soon after birth. Sometimes it does not close, but remains open after birth and through life. If this happens, the result is called a patent foramen ovale or PFO. Typically it does not cause an immediate problem. A PFO is something like a flap valve between the upper chambers of the heart that usually remains closed and functions normally. However, sometimes it can open with pressure shifts in the heart chambers. For example, bearing down during child birth or bowel movements can cause the PFO to flap open. Many individuals may have a PFO and never know it. PFOs are not repaired unless they become symptomatic or are implicated in a stroke.
