ABOUT THE DISEASE
During pregnancy a child gets its oxygen from the mother`s placenta and therefore the blood does not pass through its lung and directly moves between the two top chambers of the heart through an opening (foramen ovale) in the middle wall (atrial septum).
Normally the foramen ovale closes at birth, however in case it does not close properly, it is called a patent foramen ovale.
If there is a clot or particles in the blood travelling in the right side of the heart, it can cross over, enter the left atrium, and travel out of the heart and to the brain causing a brain stroke or a heart attack.
SYMPTOMS
Most babies and children do not experience any symptoms from a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Adults might complain of breathlessness, however this needs to be treated as soon as possible since this can lead to a brain stroke or a heart attack.
DIAGNOSIS
- Echocardiogram
CAUSES
There are no known causes, however some level of this defect occurs in as high as 25% of population.
TREATMENT METHODS
People with PFO do not need any treatment if there are no associated problems. If a closure is recommended by the cardiologist or the neurologist, the most common procedure followed is: Cardiac catheterization with closure of hole with a device.
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Patent ductus arteriosus
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