CVG

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WHY ARE PFOS IMPORTANT?

FOs are not dangerous to most people and are usually detected when someone undergoes a heart ultrasound for another reason. However, in a very small subset of people with a PFO, a blood clot that forms in the leg can cross over this flap and cause a stroke. Closure of the PFO is currently recommended for people for whom a stroke is thought to have occurred because of a PFO.

Let’s look more closely at what a PFO is and why it is important.

  • One of the primary reasons to have a potential PFO evaluated is its association with cryptogenic strokes—strokes with no apparent cause. If you’re under 60 and have experienced a stroke, especially if other causes have been ruled out, a PFO could be the culprit. By visiting our Atlanta cardiology team, you can get a thorough assessment of your heart’s structure and function, potentially identifying a PFO that might be putting you at risk for future strokes.

     

    Migraines, particularly those with aura, have been linked to PFOs in some studies. If you suffer from severe or frequent migraines that significantly impact your quality of life, it’s worth investigating whether a PFO could be contributing to your symptoms. Our Atlanta cardiologists can evaluate this possibility and discuss whether PFO closure might offer relief.

     

    For scuba diving enthusiasts, a PFO evaluation is especially important. A PFO can increase your risk of decompression sickness, a potentially serious condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in your bloodstream during ascent. Our Atlanta heart doctors can assess your risk and advise on whether PFO closure could make your diving experiences safer.

     

    If you’ve been experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, especially when sitting up or standing, it could be a sign of a rare condition called platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, which is sometimes associated with PFOs. Our expert cardiologists in Atlanta can conduct the necessary tests to determine if this is the cause of your symptoms.

     

    Heart palpitations, or the sensation of your heart racing or skipping beats, can be unsettling. While these symptoms can have various causes, a PFO could be a contributing factor. Our Atlanta cardiology team can perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of your palpitations and recommend appropriate treatment.

     

    Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, certain risk factors might make it advisable to check for a PFO. These include a family history of stroke at a young age, a personal history of blood clots, or certain heart conditions. Our Atlanta cardiologists can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate screening.

  • By visiting our Atlanta cardiology clinics for a PFO evaluation, you’re taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your heart health. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including advanced imaging techniques like transesophageal echocardiography, to get a clear picture of your heart’s structure. This allows for accurate diagnosis and informed treatment decisions.

     

    Our multiple locations throughout the Atlanta metro area make it convenient for you to access top-tier cardiac care close to home or work. We believe that expert heart care should be easily accessible, and we’ve structured our practice to make that a reality for our patients.

     

    Don’t let uncertainty about your heart health hold you back. If you’re experiencing any symptoms that might be related to a PFO, or if you have risk factors that concern you, contact CVG today.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

 

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.

 

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.