PFO/ASA Closure ~ Uncomfortable Arrhythmia

Hello,

On April 28th, 2008 I had a PFO closure which they also found an ASA.  It was done through the main atery in my leg and everything went pretty well!  Since Thursday, 5/29/08 I've been experienceing severe chest palpitations, that come and go throughout the day.  They have been so heavy that it causes me to cough spontaneously, which is something I can't control.  I contacted my Cardiologist and they put 24 hour heart monitor on me.  My doc mentioned Arrhythmia but that's it.  My question to you is, after having the PFO closure could the device be causing this to happen??  (I have the CardioSeal implant)  This is the first time since my surgery that I've experienced anything like this and it's making me rather nervous.

Prior to my surgery I had my first stroke two days after my 37th birthday in December, then several cluster TIA's thereafter.  I'm a pretty healthy woman that doesn't smoke but has an occasional glass of wine.  Nonetheless, this is causing me some discomfort, could this be serious??


Thank you for your help!

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

I've never heard of a PFO closure causing these symptoms but it is possible. I need to know the details of your 24 hour holter monitor as "arrhythmia" can be nothing concerning or may be something more important.I would consider further evaluation for your stroke. I often wonder about the PFO/stroke relationship-- for a PFO to cause a stroke there has to be many things in a row happen:
1)blood has to flow the left side to the right through the PFO, which means that something has to occur to increase the pressure enough on the right to push it over to the left
2)there has to be reason for a clot to form; and that clot has to be a part of the flow that crosses
3)of the blood that crosses only a small part goes to the brain. So while  it's not impossible, in my opinion, it is improbable and I think if you have truly had TIA's then you should get a more thorough evaluation. If you have palpitations you may need to wear a monitor longer.