# Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A Hidden Link in Stroke, TIA, Migraine and More — When to Close the Hole in the Heart

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-naked-heart-7051353/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-a-hidden-link-in-stroke-tia-migraine-and-more-when-to-close-the-hole-in-the-heart
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-naked-heart-7051353/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo-a-hidden-link-in-stroke-tia-migraine-and-more-when-to-close-the-hole-in-the-heart.md
Podcast: [The Naked Heart](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-naked-heart-7051353)
Published: 2025-09-11T15:09:01+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7587ac6c
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/7587ac6c/14db603e.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1335

## Resource

Before birth, the foramen ovale is a vital foetal opening between the right and left atria, allowing oxygen-rich placental blood to bypass the inactive lungs. After the first breath, pressure in the left atrium increases, closing the flap naturally. In around 25% of adults, the flap does not seal fully — this persistent communication is called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which is an important cause of cryptogenic stroke. All standard tests including an echocardiogram can be normal- it can be only be diagnosed using a bubble contrast study and once diagnosed, treatment with clam shell closure is high effective. Read full blog

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