Every Patent Foramen Ovale Should Be Closed.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Patent foramen ovale (PFO) affects roughly 25% of the population, posing significant health risks.
• Dangerous PFO forms in about 5% of individuals warrant screening due to high risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and embolism.
• Despite its prevalence and risks, PFO often lacks adequate medical attention and screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underappreciated threat of PFO and advocate for its screening and treatment.
• To emphasize the benefits of PFO closure as a primary preventive measure against life-threatening clinical events.
• To present PFO closure as a simple, high-yield cardiac intervention with significant preventive value.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing medical literature and case reports concerning PFO.
• Analysis of the prevalence and clinical significance of PFO.
• Evaluation of PFO closure as a preventive strategy.

Main Results:

• PFO closure is identified as a straightforward cardiac procedure with substantial clinical benefits.
• PFO closure acts as a 'mechanical vaccination' against paradoxical embolism.
• Closure provides collateral benefits for conditions like migraine and exercise dyspnea, improving quality of life.

Conclusions:

• PFO closure should be considered for primary prevention due to its high clinical yield and simplicity.
• The procedure offers lifelong protection against paradoxical embolism.
• PFO closure effectively treats associated conditions, enhancing overall patient well-being.