Definition:
Patent foramen ovale is a condition wherein the flap-like opening which naturally develops in the septum in the heart of an unborn, and which should close weeks or months after a baby is born, remains open.
Diagnosis:
Patent foramen ovale is usually discovered by mere chance when imaging tests is done on the patient suffering therefrom.
Treatment:
Treatment consists of blood-thinning medications, and surgery to close the patent foramen ovale.
Symptoms and Signs:
Unlike any other kind of diseases, a patent foramen ovale does not usually exhibit any symptoms.
Causes:
This condition is a congenital defect which is believed to be hereditary and genetically associated.
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