Just found out I have PFO

[Tia81]

I found out a few months back that I have Patent Foreman Ovale.  I am 27 years old.  My Cardiologist told me that I don't need to do anything about it since I have no other risk factors since they did a EKG and a stressechogram and nothing was found.  What do you recommend?  How likely is it possible to have a stroke or other serious problem from having a PFO?

[Momto3]

It's kind of a strange thing....I do not have a PFO that I know of.  I have a leaky mitral valve and have had 2 procedures to stop frequent extra heartbeats.  I was going along so fine with yearly checkups and all was stable.

I have a history of ocular migraines.  I do not get a headache, but I get the visual aura (jagged lights, flashing, wavy vision).  Last Sunday, I had this weird thing happen.  At first I thought it was one of the ocular migraines, but the visual disturbances were different.  Over several seconds, I got this black area in my eye.  If you put a quarter on the table, and placed a pea over one part of it.  I couldn't see at all through the dark spot.  I went to the eye doctor who ran some tests and said everything was OK, but I should followup with my cardiologist....hmmm

So, I'm thinking I'll go to the cardio and he'll put me on aspirin (maybe) just in case I had thrown a tiny clot.  Just figured that would be it....NOT!!  I've had more echos and stress tests than I can remember.  I've had a TEE (echo where they use a scope and go down your throat---I didn't feel it..lol), two procedures where they had multiple catheters in my heart.  Anyway, I was convinced they would have seen a PFO with all those tests, but I was wrong.  Not necessarily since they weren't looking for anything like that.  So, I'll go in a couple of weeks for an echo with a bubble test.  

Oh, the aspirin is "just in case" is was an "embolic" event.

Connie
I'm hoping some people come along that can help with your questions.  

[Tia81]

The Patent Foreman Ovale was discovered through the Stress test.  Do you have PFO?  I read that it normally doesn't cause any symptom and when I talked to a cardiologist, he told that I didn't need surgery to close it up or anything.  Why are you taking aspirin?  Did you have any other problems?

Thanks!

[Momto3]

How was the PFO discovered?  I've had a lot of echos, stress tests, etc. and they have never said anything about a PFO...UNTIL yesterday!!  I'm going for an echo and a bubble test.  My cardio said since the previous studies were to look at my valves and assess and repair an arrythmia, they very likely would not have seen a PFO (if I even have one).....Oy ve!  

I am now taking an aspirin every day : (