Whats the difference between an atrial septal defect and PFO?
Dr. Hijazi: In reality, from an anatomy point of view, they’re both holes in the upper chambers of the heart. ASD is a true hole, with deficiency of the wall and it’s a slightly larger. A PFO is a flap between the two walls, allowing a channel, a tunnel between the two of them, and it’s smaller. But a clot can go through a PFO or an ASD. Usually an ASD, especially if it’s big, it will lead to an enlargement of the heart, a PFO does not lead to an enlargement of the heart, that’s the major difference. An ASD has more symptoms, shortness of breath, fatigue, and the larger the hole, the more symptoms they have, and the earlier symptoms show. END OF INTERVIEW This information is intended for additional research purposes only. It is not to be used as a prescription or advice from Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. or any medical professional interviewed. Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the depth or accuracy of physician statements. Procedures or medicines apply to diffe
Dr. Hijazi: In reality, from an anatomy point of view, they’re both holes in the upper chambers of the heart. ASD is a true hole, with deficiency of the wall and it’s a slightly larger. A PFO is a flap between the two walls, allowing a channel, a tunnel between the two of them, and it’s smaller. But a clot can go through a PFO or an ASD. Usually an ASD, especially if it’s big, it will lead to an enlargement of the heart, a PFO does not lead to an enlargement of the heart, that’s the major difference. An ASD has more symptoms, shortness of breath, fatigue, and the larger the hole, the more symptoms they have, and the earlier symptoms show. END OF INTERVIEW This information is intended for additional research purposes only. It is not to be used as a prescription or advice from Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. or any medical professional interviewed. Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the depth or accuracy of physician statements. Procedures or medicines apply to diffe
