First of all, we need to understand what the PFO is. Next, we need to know if there is a correlation between PFO and migraine headaches? Have any studies have been completed on the subject? Were the studies legitimate? What conclusions, if any were made? These are the questions we will be delving into in our next few blogs.
PFO, What Is It?
PFO stands for patent foramen ovale, a hole in the wall that divides the right and left chambers of the heart. Everyone has a PFO before birth. Normally, this hole closes shortly before delivery.
The right side of the heart receives blood and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. The blood then goes through the left side of the heart to be pumped to the brain and other organs. When in the womb, a baby does not use it's own lungs for oxygen-rich blood, it relies on the mother to provide oxygen-rich blood from the placenta through the umbilical cord to the fetus. Therefore blood can travel from the veins to the right side of the baby's heart and cross to the left side of the heart through the foramen ovale and skip the baby's lungs.
In adults, a PFO can allow blood that hasn't been oxygenated to get into the left side of the heart and be pumped to the brain and other organs. If this happens, the body doesn't get enough oxygen. It's also possible that blood clots can pass through the PFO and cause a stroke.
I know of a gentleman who gets dizzy after lifting weights and this is often followed up by a headache. This makes you wonder if he is a possible PFO case.
In tomorrow's blog we will start to look into research about whether there is a correlation between PFO and migraines.
As always, hoping you are in good health and that you are winning the battle against headaches.
Included here are a couple of links with additional information on what a PFO is.
I also found a real good set of blogs on fitness. Check it out!
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