62 yr old - PFO Closure

Question

I have had a PFO closure June 2012 and felt great for 9 months and my symptoms went away.  Now some symptoms are returning again. Is it possible that the device has moved and what test would show this please? Many thanks.

ed34 · Answer

Just to add, it could be many things as I said, but my personal opinion is to always rule out the more severe possibilities first.

ed34 · Answer

120-130 bpm is not 'very' fast, it is quite an acceptable rate for exertion and well within normal limits. The sweating and dizziness are of course a concern but those symptoms, along with your heart speeding up can be a result of many things. Even an inner ear infection could cause such symptoms when you move in a particular way. Of course I'm not saying this is the cause, it's just as example. The only way I can see this as being a heart issue really is vasospasm which is hard to detect. One clue would be if your GP is willing to prescribe you a GTN spray, because nitroglycerine will stop vasospasms in most cases pretty quickly. I would recommend sitting while taking it, because it does drop blood pressure for about 15-20 minutes while the arteries are forced fully open. If you get instant relief, then this could be a good indicator for a blockage or vasospasm. Another thing which comes to mind is perhaps having your carotid arteries checked in your neck. My Mother in law had symptoms like yours and they did an ultrasound to discover her carotids were blocking up. These are important because they feed the brain. She had no warning of her symptoms and could happen while in bed or walking or lifting.

pippy164 · Answer

I did reply to your last posting but obviously did not get through.  My GP has never been the problem. It just seems if you are not a clear cut case then medics do not look  outside of the box.  It was me who instigated an investigation into the hole in heart. Other hospitals were adamant I did not need the test for it - I proved them wrong.  We all know our bodies and I agree with you they put you down to being over anxious!!! My symptoms will last about 10mins until they go but leave me feeling totally fatigued, light headed, cold and unwell for 24hrs plus.  Sweating whilst going through them. They happen when I do anything out of the ordinary where I need to use muscle power, carrying, pushing, stretching, pulling. My heart rate goes very fast 120/130bpm and then very slow  48 bpm with palpatations.  Has happened a couple of times in the night and woken me up.  I had an implanted reveal device for a year but, of course, that was during my good time.

ed34 · Answer

I think if I was in your shoes, I would go to your GP and demand an echo. If possible, get your husband to go in with you. If the GP gives excuses or says there is no need, your husband should say "If anything bad comes from this, and it does turn out to be the closure device, I will hold you personally responsible". You watch the GP change his/her mind in a flash. Sometimes our body tells us something and yet Doctors ignore it thinking we are yet another hypercondriac. While in the Doctors, ask him to listen to your carotid neck arteries to be on the safe side. If the echo is clear, at least you can feel sure it isn't a PFO or valve issue. Then you could ask the Doctor to fit you with a holter monitor, to record your hearts electrical rhythm over a period of 24 hours, or longer if you have longer gaps between symptoms. When you get your symptoms, how long do they generally last for?

pippy164 · Answer

Well I have had symptoms for years on and off and as I said I had mini strokes (3) over the past 14 years.  I have had incompetent hospitals in UK who insisted I did not need the test for it. It was only my now surgeon (for stomach) problems took me over and his hospital found it very quickly. He would not operate on me until he was satisfied it was safe to do so.  Yes, I am old for a hole in heart repair considering it is a condition you are born with. My main symptoms are light headed almost to the point of fainting, racing heart, blue lips (as husband said) and extremely cold with breathlessness, like the life drains out of me. I feel terribly unwell for 2 days after and extremely fatigued.My heart rate can drop to 48 and could be 230 during an attack. My pulse is in the early 50s a lot of the time.  I do wish they would find out the problem. I do not suffer with high blood pressure but low I feel. Mine has shown at one point 90/48 - I have a BP machine at home. The Drs say that is nothing to worry about. I am not convinced. If I am normal why do I have these debilitating systems?  I shall get to the bottom of it as I proved them wrong on the PFO. Thanks for listening.

ed34 · Answer

Hi Pippy, I would be surprised if the closure device is at fault or indeed if your symptoms are related. However, a simply echocardiogram can see if there is a leak there. I have to say that I am a bit intrigued, you are 62? and only had the closure device fitted a few months ago? That's a long time to go with no symptoms or intervention if you did have symptoms.
Can you please describe the symptoms that you are having?

pippy164 · Answer

I am seeing my GP this week to discuss it with him and what test I would need to have a look at it.  I had the procedure as I have had several TIAs and an operation on my stomach was cancelled as pre-op showed possible heart attack or AFIB. I attach the link as to what device the surgeon used if you are interested.  Thanks for your comments http://www.goremedical.com/helex/

Jerry_NJ · Answer

That would have been my guess, what really threw me was I didn't know such a closure involved a "device".

That said, I'd surely discuss with the or a doctor.  I'd bet a cardiologist can tell just by listening. If not, an echocardiogram will surely display..

I have read posts on this forum from people who have had similar surgery, perhaps our brief dialog will help get more helpful input.

pippy164 · Answer

I am sorry that is the medical term for it - a hole in heart.

Jerry_NJ · Answer

Seeing no reply in 19+ hours I offer it may help to give more information, e.g., what is a PFO? Yes, it is possible one unfamiliar with PFO may still have something to offer if they could understand your question.