Hypercoagulable States in patients with patent foramen ovale

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a risk factor for stroke with the presumed mechanism being paradoxical embolism. Hypercoagulable states have been associated with the propensity to develop venous thromboses and have been separately associated with the risk for ischemic stroke. A PFO could provide the missing link. Having a PFO and a hypercoagulable state may place a person at an increased risk for paradoxical embolism. However, the prevalence of PFO in patients with hypercoagulable states and vice versa is unknown, and the best therapeutic strategy for these patients is unelucidated. This review assesses the literature, provides some insight on these topics, and identifies areas for further investigation.