Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor 
Informed patients make better patients.

Question:

What should I do about my patent foramen ovale, hypertension and atrial fibrillation?

I have a patent foramen ovale that is at times covered by a flap but has not been surgically repaired. I have had an echocardiogram that I was told showed I could expect increased deterioration of my breathing, atrial fibrillation, and have heart failure. I am being treated for hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Question:  How will I know if I have pulmonary arterial hypertension and should I have a second medical opinion from another cardiologist experienced in congenital heart disease such as patent foramen ovale? I have another question, what about ablation for a condition such as mine, is it recommended?  

submitted by Kathryn from LaGrange, Texas on 2/24/10

Answer:

by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD

Dear Kathryn: 1) Foramen ovale does not cause pulmonary hypertension. 2) It does not cause heart failure. 3) If you have atrial fibrillation, it is not related to the patent foramen ovale. 4) The atrial fibrillation can be ablated in most instances. Sincerely.     

See also on this site: 

• Congenital Heart Disease (see PFO)
• Arrhythmia (see Atrial Fibrillation)
• Heart Information Center

Has your question or a similar one already been answered?
Search all the Heart Doctor questions and answers.

Heart Information Center services are made possible in part by a generous gift from the Hamill Foundation.

---

Updated February 2010