PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale): 1 in 4 People Have This. What Every Patient Needs to Know!

[@MarinaLowthian]

I'm 33 and had a stroke 3 months ago! I just got the call from cardiology and I am booked for PFO closure surgery! Thank you for the informative video!

[@KimPark-h1j]

I recently (Spring 2024)had a mild stroke (cerebellar lunacar infarct). I’m 54 female, 125 lbs. active tennis player, CPA, mom, grandmother, wife. After much testing, TEE found PFO and 2 days ago I had PFO closure. Super easy process. So far so good.

[@KarenYPonce]

Im a 48 years old, I had a cryptogenic cerebellum stroke. Tomorrow I am having a PFO closure. Thank you for the information.

[@valentins86]

I'm 38...and today i did that test,i'm very strresses😢 Are you ok?

[@rubiesofgold7698]

How did it go? I’ll get one as early as next week.

[@KarenYPonce]

So far I'm doing great! I am doing my normal life, I'm back at the gym and I feel great!

[@KarenYPonce]

@@valentins86 So far I'm doing great! I am doing my normal life, I'm back at the gym and I feel great!

[@KarenYPonce]

@@rubiesofgold7698 So far I'm doing great! I am doing my normal life, I'm back at the gym and I feel great!

[@elsafischer3247]

After seeing this I had 2 strokes I was 32 and 53. All the doctors couldn’t find a reason. Now I know why,. Thank you for this information

[@valentins86]

Are you ok now? I'm 38 and I just had a brain stroke 2 weeks ago,i,m very scared

[@aelaan12]

I do not have a hole in my heart, but I learned something totally new today about unborn babies, and now I understand this better. Now I understand why they were talking about that test for my grandson. Brilliant information, we can be proud of this channel!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow thank you so much!

[@rodkassa4635]

This is one of the better segments I’ve seen on your channel. Very informative today, but I do watch all your videos. I subscribe very informative. Good job.

[@duanedelestienne2997]

Nearly 40 years in the Medical Imaging Industry and this discussion just confirms the value of the right technology for the scenario. Mostly CT, X-ray, Nuclear Medicine, and PET, but Ultrasound is so versatile.

[@mattym8]

You doctors are in Oakville? Canada represent! 🇨🇦 I’ve been watching a while and didn’t realize you were Ontario doctors. Awesome work. Excellent resource.

[@joseenoel8093]

Yes but here in Qc we love them anyway! Kidding, my dad's sister passed away at 1.5 yrs I believe with this, she must have been born in the early 30's! Very sad as it was grandparents only girl the rest being boys!

[@lynnettecook6973]

No holes in my heart but my brother says I have a hole in my head 😁Great vid guys! 🙂

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Dr Mike is a great guest. Always tons of information.

[@suzannederringer1607]

I learned that I have a hole in my heart a few years ago on a routine echocardiogram. I was 73 at the time. I've never had any heart problems so this just seemed an anomaly that hasn't affected me. I'm now turning 77 - no issues. Circulation seems fine...I get plenty of exercise, always have. And naturally tall and slim. I don't worry about it. When I learned this, my cousin (female) - same age) said she has one also - they'd discovered it ten years earlier in a routine workup. She's also never had any heart issues. This was a happy discovery for me because shortly after, COVID Vax was being pushed and there were already reports of problems with some young men. I refused Vax on grounds that my heart was 'defective' and they hadn't done studies on older women...😊

[@jimquezada3699]

Have it checked. My PFO caused a mini stroke which caused me to temporarily lose the vision in my right eye. Drs closed it. Alls good so far. 77 yrs old

[@paulpeachey2212]

My first TIA was in 1990 at the age of 40, with no diagnosis of cause. My second TIA in 2008 at the age of 58, my a PFO was finally found and an occluder was installed -fascinating as I watched under sedation. I had been healthy and active with no other indications of an issue with my heart. At 74, I'm still active and thankful to the staff at the Monk Centre in Toronto for my treatment.

[@Queen-rc6ue]

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I've been terrified of this & have been looking for someone who has had this for a considerable amount of time, but everyone I encountered is younger & had it less than 5-10 years. God bless you.

[@jimquezada3699]

I'm a 77 yr old male. This year I had a TIA, temporarily losing the vision in my right eye. Kaiser doctors determined it was a PFO that caused the TIA. They repaired it. So far so good.

[@gracewright7938]

My Rhumatoid Doctor ordered xray of my lungs and found a hole between left and right ventricals. He referred me to a cardiac surgeon and I said let's do it. It was surreal, first of all no anesthesiologist and everyone in jeans. He repaired through an artery in the groin. It was fascinating to watch, one second, the heart pumped out to the body and a squirt to the left at the same time, and Bingo the squirt was gone. It's very cool to watch and no pain.

[@upptowne]

A few months ago while going to bed my wife had an Ischemic stroke. I got her to the hospital in 6-7 mins, the hospital is a stroke trauma center, they immediately took care of her and she has no symptoms. Tests showed she had a PFO, (we are healthy 77 year old's). The Dr did the surgery you described and she is fine now. Thanks for the great info. For your older viewers, know what the signs of strokes are and act immediately.

[@DrSteveQatar]

Dr Mike goes straight to my heart with reassuring and well presented information, thankfully no issues and over 60.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very nice!

[@jimquezada3699]

I'm a 77 yr old male in Oct of 2023 while watching tv I lost total vision in my right eye instantaneously. They called it a mini stroke. It was caused by my PFO. THEY HAD TO GO IN AND REPAIR THE HOLE. So far so good. Be aware.

[@warwickbrown2970]

I had an ASD repair at age 45 after I was found to have a 2.5 shunt. I was fit and healthy but now notice a significant change in my heart function. No more jumps in beat speed. No tasting blood on my breath when exercising. I now sweat and can put on weight. And best of all, no migranes! 24 years later, I am still alive. Thanks for your videos.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow amazing. Glad you are ok

[@colinpetersen1450]

I had my PFO patched with an Occluder last Feb. I had a mild stroke at 49…turned out I had a PFO & a blood clot got out through the hole & made it’s way to my brain. The stroke was mild & I didn’t have any lasting effects…felt normal that same night. Feel lucky!

[@tommyruiz6430]

I had a PFO closure 12 years ago. Outstanding. At St. Jude Medical, SoCa.❤

[@jonap5740]

My grandmother died at age 67 in 1965 because of a hole in her heart. My mother spent years with symptoms but was not diagnosed with a hole in her heart until she was in her seventies. When it was fixed, she was a new woman: more energy, less anxiety because of way fewer of what our family calls "thumpity do's" (heart thumping hard and irregularly). My goodness your guest was a delightful geek! "The view is fantastic"--I thought he was going to levitate!

[@rickbeasley7024]

I have one, I’m 72 years old, had a stroke in May, having the hole closed it in November, yippee

[@courtneymamuscia4740]

I have a whole in my heart and having a PFO closure next weel. Had a stroke when I was 19 years old. Not 45 and have been getting dizzy and fainting so they found the whole and with my history and a blood clotting disorder - surgery is next! Wish me luck!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best of luck Courtney!

[@valentins86]

How are you feeling? I'm 38 and I think I need also this..I hope not but...

[@LilyHernandez-f1u]

I’m 53 andI have had 4 TIAs and 2 positive bubbles studies and finally a doctor who actually told us I have a PFO. The 1st study was done in 2019 I believe however no one advised us of it until about a year ago. We went to my PCP got referred and was told nothing was wrong no worries that I’m young. Since then I had 2 TIA’s within a week this month and here we are!

[@keithanderson6274]

I have a PFO and that is a way better description than I ever got from my doctor thank you very much.

[@DarrylReiter]

Excellent video. EVERYTHNIG you and your guest have said corroborates with the medical team that assessed and completed my PFO closure, right here in Ontario in June 2024. I had a cryptogenic stroke this year, at 58 years old. I have no comorbidities. Interestingly, but not necessarily connected, my wife and I had been scuba training less than 24 hours before I had the stroke (which was Monday morning @ 6am). For all the negative things we hear about OHIP, I can be the poster child for what does work. I am super grateful to the first responders and medical teams (both cardiac and neurology) who have cared for me these past few months. Keep up the great work, docs!

[@Mel-yh8yn]

I remember not too long ago, I said these Docs should be at 1 million, and look you guys are getting so close to that. I knew it wouldn’t take long. You guys are famous! 😊thanks for all you do in educating us and also having wonderful guests on your platform that can put up with your humour 😅. If you are ever in the Vancouver area, you should do a meet n’greet !!

[@cherylsmith2345]

Couldn’t have said it better (though I always tell these Gents how great they are 😊) … I’m in Victoria so totally up for a someday “Meet ‘n’ Greet” in Victoria. 🎉

[@lisaattwood6655]

Excellent explanation of PFOs with cryptogenic stroke.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks!

[@cherylsmith2345]

My goodness, Doctor Heffernan is a rock star and is totally a member of your Gang. Love his demeanour and presentation. Heartfelt ❤️ (pardon that pun) thank you’s to all 3 of you. Great topics, great information. In a day and age when our medical professionals are exhausted and then some, what public service you do with this channel, is so appreciated. ❤

[@andrewanderson9374]

Best video to date. Just the right amount of understandable information from beginning to end. Great work docs.

[@rubiesofgold7698]

I just turned 53 a few weeks ago but am likely to have a procedure next Monday or the next month to close the hole. It was discovered in a recent MRI that I had a stroke so they want to get it closed so I don’t have another. Exercise has always been hard for me and I have always noticed how people seem to feel good and I have always felt an underlying weakness. So grateful they figured it out.

[@janiesoito4494]

My doctor's elderly Mom had migraines her whole life. She started having mini strokes. Her cardiologist ordered a bubble echo and found the PFO that didn't show on a regular echo. They fixed the hole and no more strokes and migraines. Bubble echos were offered to the children, all doctors and one psychologist. My doctor declined; he doesn't have migraines. His baby brother, who had terrible migraines, got the bubble echo. He had a PFO which was fixed. No more migraines.

[@vikkipilling]

I had a stroke while 14 wks pregnant at age 32. Have permanent central vision loss in L eye. (18 yrs elapsed). Was on anticoagulants for years. Had routine echo because I developed htn. Found it on the bubble study. Had the Noblestitch to stitch 14mm pfo closed. Stayed closed until 3 yrs later. I just had echo, closed…I fell down the stairs broke L1, L4 had another echo found that the fall caused to rip on either side of the Noblestitch. I just had 30mm Gore closure 13 days ago. My dr had never put in a Gore over an existing closure. (The Noblestitch was not working). So far so good. No afib. I’m very confident in my physician. I saw stroke neuro, hematologist and all agreed no other reasons for the stroke. I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a rough few months. Thanks for the video. Like Lainey Wilson says “I got a heart like a truck” This literally was my 3rd procedure on my heart. When I was 26 had a SVT ablation complicated by a cardiac tamponade. I’m hoping all goes well with my Gore so this was the last thing done to my poor little heart lol. 💔=❤️

[@Queen-rc6ue]

🙏🏾

[@JT-wi3ue]

16 years ago, my wife started birth control when she was 15. 3 months later, she had an ischemic stroke due to a clot which originated in her leg that broke free, went through her PFO and caused an 80% block of her basilar artery in her brain. Because she was so young, hospital staff did not suspect a stroke at the time and it took 24 hours for her to get diagnosed and for her to get TPA to attempt to dissolve the clot. 3 months post stroke, she has had her PFO closed

[@mbh4097]

My husband has Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Had a valve fixed, had most of the muscle cut out so now he relies on a pacemaker and an ICD. I hope you all talk about this issue as well. Thank you for all the great info.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Those are great topics. Hope he is ok

[@CookingCanningAndBaking]

My brother had a stroke at age 53 and learned (via TEE) that he had a PFO. They closed it after he was strong enough to do so; it was a quick procedure and they followed him for a year or so to ensure the placement was correct, no shifting, etc. He has recovered somewhat from the stroke (3 lobes of his brain) but still has some significant deficits, including that he cannot remember yesterday. He lives with me now and I'm happy to take care of him. I'm grateful he survived and I still get to spend time with him. My PFO was diagnosed via a bubble study after I had symptoms about 15 years ago - shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, etc. They told me the mortality rate was 50% for the closure procedure, so I opted to skip it. Perhaps the odds are better now. My symptoms persist and have even been worse at times, but the PFO remains and my cardiologist just "watches" it, but no further testing. No stroke for me, thankfully. Great content, docs. I appreciate the info. Especially for something that hits so close to home.

[@retireditguy9493]

I had a PFO closure in 2006 when I was 59. My story is quite different. I was consulting at a hospital where a doctor was developing the transcatheter PFO closure method. During a presentation to a group of doctors, I began to feel light headed and mentioned that. They immediately wanted to take my blood pressure, which all my life had been in a range of 97-100 / 60-65. The doctor developing the procedure said his father died from a PFO related stroke and displayed the same symptoms of historically low blood pressure. I went through too any testing procedures to write about here, but the result was I had a PFO closure by the transcatheter method. I was fully awake during the procedure and only had a local anesthetic at my right hip where the device was inserted into a vein. There was no pain, but it was very disconcerting feeling the device go up my right side and moving around in my chest. I was filmed and the attending doctors kept asking me questions all through the procedure. It worked with no issues. I never again felt light headed and my blood pressure went up to about 125/60 and has been at that level since.

[@janellison5011]

My sister's PFO was discovereed when she was in her late 60's, after she experienced a mild stroke. Her primary physician was not satisfied with the workup by the neurologist, who more less said, "yes, you had a small stroke", and nothing else. She was referred to a cardiologist who discovered a PFO. She had the patch, and hasn't had any more problems.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear that

[@3cardmonty602]

I had a 5mm hole in my aortic valve caused by endocarditis. Two years ago - it caused my BP to go down to 90/40. I’m 63 years old now. I had open heart surgery to replace my valve with a bovine valve. I also have my atrium clipped off. My recovery was very tough and I still can’t perform heavy weightlifting. I’ve resigned to the fact that I probably never will. But at least I’m alive, thank God.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Very interesting and informative video. My daughter, who is now an adult, was born with a hole in her heart. It was discovered the day after her birth, as her color was not good and she needed oxygen immediately after birth. I was informed that it could be "the self healing kind" which would be healed in a couple of days, and if it was not the self healing kind, that she would need to have open heart surgery. An EKG was done the day after she was born and it was determined to be the self healing type. I don't know how that was determined, maybe you can enlighten me. She's fine, no problems. She and I both have heart murmurs, but not problematic.

[@sdavidleigh6642]

I had a ASD and University Hospital London they went in and sealed it over 50 yrs ago. I used to get really sick (flu etc) every year around Christmas for the first 20 yrs of my life. After surgery - I almost never get sick. The hole was the size of a quarter. Dr Hymbecker (sp?) was the surgeon. I would like to thank him for giving me my life back but he is long gone. I hear people complain about paying too much taxes in Canada but I am glad to pay taxes- universal health care. Canada is a great country. As an aside I have always been a long distance runner and would try very hard to place. In hind site I was at a huge disadvantage but no one knew. Probably lucky I didn't keel over running with a defective heart. lol. Still going strong at 70.

[@gregoryanderson4874]

Ive a confirmed large pfo. High R tp L shunting, aural migraine history and now mild cognitive impairment. MRI confirms temporal white matter flairs. Small stoke 14 y ago. Age now is a “young” 68.5. Normal BP, no other health issues. Dr will do PFO closure in relation to cognition issues. Hope it’s a good plan.

[@JJRucker]

Much better understanding than i had before. Thanks Docs.

[@GreggBB]

Fantastic video! The heart is amazing. And it is amazing how many things can go wrong with it.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Absolutely!

[@kellystevens6464]

Had a cryptogenic stroke at 46 in 2011 and am getting it closed next month, Nov 2024. At the time the standard of care was closure after two strokes. No strokes since but decided to close it now.

[@mikec_376bmikecontreras6]

I'm 48 yrs. old . broke my femur and 3 weeks later had a stroke. found out I have a PFO. I will be scheduled soon to go to Stanford and get the closure procedure done. I hoping everything goes well.

[@notsowilderness]

I had a stroke last week and they found I have a pfo too. Great information and was a scary experience.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear that. Best of luck

[@pegsperlin4119]

My daughter has this. It was discovered when she was 45 . She sees her cardiologist on a regular basis She is heathy as hell( food ,exercise, ever smoked, ) She just had a check and again wait and see. I don't know if you 3 have releaved me or not😂. I'm going to forward this to Amy. ATW, her doctors are in Boston. Thanks for all you do❤

[@AndriaBrower]

I had a whole in my heart. Found out when I was 38 years old and had a stroke. I was on medication chantix to quit smoking. They, hospital gave me a shot due to the fact my left side was dead. I couldn’t lift anything. Stopped taking chantix and had surgery to patch up the hole in my heart. I’ve been fine ever since. I am now 53 years old.

[@Lynnmur]

I’m 70 and found out I have this. Like you said, I went in for a pre-op physical, and was sent to a cardiologist. I had the bubble test and found out I have a hole in my heart. I’m on aspirin.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Moe-zo4fm]

I had an ASD numerous small holes & aneurysm & PFO, and had a stroke 42. I had a bubble study and it was the Valsalva Maneuver that show the large shunt. Mines was fixed in my early 60’s, I also have pulmonary hypertension. I’m improving since it was closed. I thing I can’t say enough is always do the valsalva maneuver. Thank you for doing this video.❤

[@timestax]

@more-zo4fm bubble study. The hole caused a stroke and I have pulmonary hypertension. I see a new pulmonary doctor early next month. I will see what his advice is. My heart races and then I get short of breath. I don't know if it's s related to the hole or not, but I would like to get the hole repaired. I also see my neuro next month and will ask her about it.

[@timestax]

Is your aneurysms in your heart or your brain. Mine is in my brain. It is so small that it plays peek- a- with us (that's what I call it). Sometimes it hides, sometimes they see, next MRI they can't find it.

[@ninawade3055]

That was so interesting thank you

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timestax]

I had a small stroke (not a TIA) in my early 50's with no risk factors other than a hole in my heart heart. I asked about repairing it. The doctor said they wouldn't close the hole unless I had another stroke. Pissed me off, another stroke might leave me disabled or dead. As it is the small stroke caused seizures.

[@SaveAmerica-kt1cn]

My primary heard what he thought was a mumur. Had echo w/bubble study and it revealed PFO and enlarged right ventricle. Then they ordered TEE to get a better look and then ordered cardiac MRI. Now, they say I have mild systolic dysfunction and ejection fraction of 47%. Right atrium is also mildly enlarged. Healthy 38 male, not overweight.

[@kevinkucherak8874]

I have a PFO and I had a stroke during surgery. I had no idea anything had happened until a few days later my wife noticed i was repeating myself. I'm very fortunate that I had a very minor stroke but it still caused some minor issues with cognition and recall. I am going for the closure in the next few months. I should be going in for my echo in the next few weeks.

[@ThePapaJNH]

Yes, I am one of the 25%. In 2018 I had surgery at Mayo Clinic to have a septal myectomy and repair a leaky mitral valve. Dr Dearani also closed my PFO during the surgery and closed off my left atrial appendage.

[@jnash5137]

I learn something new most every video. I would love for you to have Dr. Heffernan to explain Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in a video with the diagrams. Thanks Docs

[@melissabrown6254]

Thanks for the video I always learn so much. Looking forward to the next one.

[@marciaborg77]

Thanks for sharing this video

[@nazihkhalil3146]

I'm 32 years old and had 2 strokes, and they found a PFO. Next Monday I'm having the procedure

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wishing you best of luck

[@armymedic1859]

I had a hole in mine and it caused a stroke. I got to the hospital in time. It was a huge clot. The staff called me the miracle patient because I was walking that afternoon although unsteady, but considering the size of the clot they were surprised. I am doing well now but I almost died because my wife was on the way out the door and almost didn’t find me.

[@jeannieeckelman64]

I recently had a stroke in May and was just told from an echo done in August that I have a PFO. They didn’t call me for THREE months. Preparing for surgery.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best of luck

[@jeannieeckelman64]

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you. I turned 60 in March and they are arguing about doing it.they also found Obstructive Sleep Apnea resulting in an atrial flutter, I hate arguing with them. I just want it fixed! And no more blood thinners! There nothing else wrong with me. Migraines since I was 16

[@julief6128]

Found out about PFO after having a stroke at a young age and for no good reason. After my PFO closure surgery I experienced sporadic "flutters" in my chest and loss of breath. This went on for several months post surgery. Dr. said others have reported similar experiences but no definitive cause was communicated. I'm sharing cuz I found no info about this at the time and it was a little scary. If someone else has this, you're not alone.

[@danver62467]

I have a PFO and now have had 3 DVTs currently on blood thinners. I am going for an echocardiogram of my heart to find out how much blood is being chuted thru the PFO. I will schedule my PFO close depending on how much flow there is.

[@DD-sd4we]

Outstanding video and channel. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you very much!

[@test40323]

I don't have a hole in my heart but have been called heartless often. enjoyed the episode. :-)

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You and me both!

[@karenscookingkorner]

Wow! Super interesting!!

[@spf58233]

I had a moderate stroke in 2018 of the right opcipetal lobe from a clot passed through a 25mm hole in my heart. Had the PFO closed through major vein in my right keg.

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

Pediatrician heard extra beats on auscultation when doing her assessment. Sent us to a cardiologist and he found a trivial mitral valve regurgitation. So, my daughter had to take Amoxicillin prior to each dental visit. It’s trivial for a reason. Now that she’s older it’s closed up.

[@robinjones6999]

Ive learnt something here for sure

[@informedoptimist5777]

Small stroke at 42, elevated anti-cardiolipin antibody. PFO identified by positive bubble TEE, repaired w/Amplatzer occluder. Interesting return of ocular migraines with decreasing frequency as tissue grew over the occluder. Interesting…

[@ccsunnie]

I’m 74 yo and knew I had mitral valve prolapse but never knew I had a hole in my heart as well. I only found out cause I was sent to a cardio because I was experiencing extreme fatigue.

[@bigcatproductions2789]

I have this ! Born with it , I also have blood clots , my Dr says I'm a candidate for the surgery but they will wait until I have a STROKE before I get the Operation !!!! 🤯

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh man. Best of luck

[@jonap5740]

That makes no sense at all to me. Can you get a second opinion, see a second specialist?

[@laneighashuman7541]

They found my pfo with a bubble echo gram. The TEE showed it almost a 3. I had TIA’s and mini strokes. I am 62. First stroke before 60.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow hope you are ok

[@edithst-pierre2513]

Thank you for your vidéo they are vers interesting and useful. CAN you do one on pacemaker? Thank you again. Edith

[@andreaharutunian3838]

Great info 🎉

[@johni4213]

I'm contemplating having mine fixed or not!

[@jag.v6163]

thanks docs can you discuss heart failure

[@Loveerrrbody]

I just turned 51 Saturday october26th I had a massive stroke due to a brain anurismon father's day ..and I'm scheduled to have a pfo to close the hole in my heart soon

[@frankcarone6]

i do not have a hole in my heart , but i have a echo cardiogram every 5-6 years and my heart checks 99% good ,i have sleep apnea which effects 1 % weakness in my heart

[@rp338]

had a stroke at 52 and i am being evaluated to see if my pfo needs to be closed

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh man. Hope you are ok

[@eur2030]

How does a PFO effect heart efficiency and physical fitness? I had a PFO and mitral valve repair, now I am fitter than I was in my 20s? ( I also have a 2nd order heart blockage but don't need a pace maker yet) The surgery went very well and I was up in days and am still active and go jogging occasionally.😊

[@YESENIAPUELLO-lr6zd]

At the age of 47 I had my first stroke. This year mere weeks shy from my 53 I had a second stroke. They have discovered I had a PFO. Today November 19th, I had my PFO closed up with what I call the double sided umbrella.

[@JennC8627]

My mom 57 was just diagnosed with PFO last week. She has now had 5 strokes. They tried to close it last Wednesday and the cardiologist was unsuccessful. It has been a 🎢 ride. Procedure has been put on hold now to confirm nothing else is happening and blood thinners have been stopped as the 5th stroke happened the next day after the procedure 🥺

[@TyGleason]

I have a PFO. No issues at 50.

[@axaroaming]

I just had the PFO closure after a stroke. I was having vision problems for 7.5 years after open heart to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. I was told your Foramen Ovale could reopen after open heart surgery…

[@chicntexas71]

Just found out I have Patent Foramen Ovale 53 year had a ct scan that found it I tend to have a faster than normal heart rate and I have what feels like stopping heart beats and occasionally I feel light headish or kinda dizzy only for a split second I see mixed things on in rare cases pfo could cause those symptoms. I have never had any type of stroke.

[@elizabethhansen5137]

This was an amazing and very educational video. I have two questions: Would doctors consider prescribing all coincidentally found PFO patients a baby aspirin for prevention of those strokes caused by PFO's even though its rare? Why do you close the PFO instead of treating the root of the problem which is WHY this person is forming thrombi and then treating that issue (instead of just preventing the clots from becoming emboli by closing the PFO)? Wouldn't that be a less invasive (than surgery) approach for example, taking Eliquis? I am doing a project for school and just wondering :) Thank you!

[@thebespokebird]

I have a PFO and I was also 2 months premature (in the 80s). I wonder if it's related since preemie lungs aren't fully developed and maybe weren't able to breathe hard enough to close the hole at birth...? But I also have hEDS (so flimsy connective tissue). It would be interesting to see what correlations there might be.

[@shannongypsyg2245]

I have a pfo. Ive had arithmia & stroke like migraines in past. My heart skips beats at times. Im tired most days. Im 47. I had issues start in my early 20s.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So sorry to hear this. Worth a chat with your doctor

[@MKCMKC-q8x]

My cardiologist says l have a hole in my heart about 20 years ago l see him every 6 months we hardly talk about it 😮

[@joshwalking777]

Stroke at 42 waiting for pfo closure now

[@samrizzardo]

I have a PFO and i dont want to risk the procedure I am 65

[@MrJimv77]

I had two tia's 6 months apart. On my second tia, the doctor's found I have a pfo. I'm on a heart monitor for 28 days. If everything goes well, then I'll have the procedure to close it up. I'm 47.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you are ok

[@FrazerSafetyService]

I have a PFO found after a stroke

[@TheAIDragon0]

I'm 26 and i suffer from ASD and VSD since childhood... now too much difficulties in my daily life.

[@JackieDay-o8s]

Are there any studies on over 60yr with a cryogentic stroke, all workup has no other cause than PFO that are recommending PFO closure procedure. with >1cm , neg artrial fib monitored for 30 days?

[@elsafischer3247]

I have a hole I’m 72 years old and the doctors know because I had a stroke. My doctor has decide to leave alone for now

[@johnrobertson6131]

I had 2 strokes before I was diagnosed with a PFO. I have not had a stroke since my closure in 2006 however I can't use a C Pap Machine anymore and I am wondering why>

[@JWalker-h4j]

I have s small PFO in my heart. I was diagnosed with it when i was 33. Ive been short of breath everyday. But no stroke yet. 🥺

[@SueBarwick-y6x]

I am 67 and I had a stroke of unknown origin. I have a PFO that will be closed next week.

[@axaroaming]

I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and immediately after the surgery I started having vision problems. Seven years later I had a stroke and had a PFO closure. I read somewhere that your FO can reopen after open heart surgery. Hope this helps someone.