Patent Foramen Ovale

Your healthcare provider will first ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. If your provider suspects PFO, they may recommend the following tests:

Transthoracic echocardiogram: Echocardiogram (also called an echo) uses sound waves to create images of your heart’s chambers. A provider does a transthoracic echocardiogram using a wand on the skin of your chest.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Your provider places a probe with a tiny camera near your esophagus. TEE can show a clearer picture of PFO than a standard echocardiogram.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound: TCD ultrasound uses sound waves to look at blood flow to and within your brain. This test can also find a stroke due to blood clots.

Your provider may also suggest a bubble test, along with an echo or TCD ultrasound. During a bubble test, they inject saltwater solution into your vein. You may have PFO if your lungs don’t filter out the bubbles and they travel through the hole to your left side of your heart.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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