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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Patent Foramen Ovale and Acute Mountain Sickness
Brian West1, Jonathan M Tobis2
1Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.
Cardiology Clinics
|September 25, 2024
Summary
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) affects high-altitude travelers and may be linked to patent foramen ovale (PFO). Research suggests a higher prevalence of PFO in individuals experiencing AMS.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common, potentially fatal condition at high altitudes.
- AMS is clinically defined by the Lake Louise Criteria, often linked to hypoxia from decreased oxygen pressure.
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a potential factor in AMS due to right-to-left shunting, worsening hypoxemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Main Methods:
- Review of recent data and clinical observations regarding PFO prevalence in AMS patients.
- Analysis of the physiological mechanisms linking PFO, shunting, and hypoxemia.
Main Results:
- Recent data indicate a higher prevalence of PFO among individuals suffering from AMS.
- PFO may exacerbate hypoxemia through right-to-left shunting, contributing to AMS symptoms.
Conclusions:
- A higher prevalence of PFO is observed in hikers with AMS.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between PFO and AMS.
Keywords:
Acute mountain sicknessHigh-altitude pulmonary edemaPatent foramen ovaleRight-to-left shuntMore Related Videos
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