Patent foramen ovale

What does "Patent foramen ovale" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

A patent foramen ovale is a hole in the heart that didn't close the way it should after birth. This hole is located between the two upper chambers of the heart. Normally, this hole closes soon after a baby is born, but in some cases, it remains open. This condition usually doesn't cause any health problems and most people with a patent foramen ovale don't even know they have it.

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