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While a baby grows in the womb, there is a normal opening between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. If this opening fails to close naturally soon after the baby is born, the hole is called patent f...
Basic Info
Causes
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) allows blood to bypass the lungs. A baby's lungs are not used when it grows in the womb, s...
Tests
An echocardiogram can be done to diagnose a PFO. If the PFO is not easily seen, a cardiologist can perform a "bubble te...
Treatments
This condition is not treated unless other heart abnormalities exist or if you had a stroke caused by a blood clot to t...
Complications
Unless there are other associated defects, there are usually no complications associated with PFO. There have been some...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if your baby turns blue when crying or defecating. Usually, however, this disorder is on...
Basic Info
In Depth
In Depth
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