what is a pfo

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small opening between the two upper chambers of the heart, the right and the left atrium. This opening normally closes soon after birth, but in many people, it does not. PFOs can only occur after birth when the foramen ovale fails to close. PFOs are usually not investigated unless a patient is having symptoms like severe migraines, TIA or stroke. PFOs are often diagnosed with an echocardiogram, which creates an image of the heart using ultrasound. PFOs usually do not cause any symptoms, and most people do not need treatment unless they are at risk of stroke or blood clots. However, PFOs can occasionally result in complications, the most serious of which is stroke. People who have a PFO are slightly more likely to have a stroke than people who do not.