PFO: The Common Heart Condition That Can Increase Stroke Risk
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole in the heart that fails to close after birth in about one in four people. While usually asymptomatic, it can potentially increase the risk of migraine in adults and may be linked to migraine attacks. Here's a closer look at this common heart condition.
PFO occurs naturally in the fetus to bypass the lungs, allowing blood to flow directly to the left side of the heart. Typically, this hole closes within a year after birth. However, if it persists, it's known as a patent foramen ovale. Most people with PFO never experience symptoms or complications.
In rare cases, infants may exhibit cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, when crying or passing stool. In adults, PFO may increase the risk of stroke, particularly cryptogenic stroke, due to paradoxical embolism. This occurs when blood clots bypass the lung filtration system and enter the brain, potentially leading to cerebrovascular events. Treatment options include antithrombotic therapy, anticoagulation, or interventional closure of the PFO, especially in cases of recurrent stroke or high-risk PFO features.
Diagnosis usually involves an echocardiogram, which may be followed by a bubble test if necessary. Adults with PFO who've had blood clots or strokes may need surgery to close the hole or be prescribed medication to prevent clots. There may also be a connection between PFO and migraine frequency, with some people reporting a reduction in migraine episodes after surgical correction.
PFO is a common heart condition that typically causes no symptoms or complications. However, it can potentially increase the risk of stroke in adults and may be linked to migraine attacks. While treatment is usually not necessary, surgical or catheter-based closure may be recommended in certain cases, such as recurrent stroke or high-risk PFO features. As research continues, understanding and managing PFO remains an active area of investigation.
