Patent foramen ovale

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Definition

In normal fetal development, a small, flap-like opening develops in the wall (septum) between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (right atrium and left atrium). This opening occurs naturally before birth and usually closes within weeks or months after a baby is born.

However, in at least one out of four people, this opening persists throughout life and is called patent foramen ovale (PA-tunt fo-RA-mun o-VA-le), or PFO. The opening that occurs in patent foramen ovale may allow blood to flow from the heart's right atrium to the left atrium and vice versa.

Most people with patent foramen ovale don't know they have the condition. That's because patent foramen ovale usually doesn't cause any signs or symptoms. Most people with patent foramen ovale don't need treatment, although closing the opening with a device is an option.

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Symptoms