The American singer, Bret Michaels, was been reported that the hole in his heart has been there since birth. His cardiologist Dr. Nieca Goldberg stated at FoxNews.com that a PFO or the Patent Foramen Ovale is not something that cardiologists just come across; it is something that needs to be specifically tested for.
But what is Patent Foramen Ovale? A patent foramen ovale (PFO), according to Clevelandclinic.com, is a defect in the septum (wall) between the two upper (atrial) chambers of the heart. Specifically, the defect is an incomplete closure of the atrial septum that results in the creation of a flap or a valve-like opening in the atrial septal wall. A PFO is present in everyone before birth but seals shut in about 80% of people.
However, the case of Michaels was not medically supervised since doctors believe that the hole should have closed before his birth. As stated by Dr. Goldberg, “We see this in children, but the hole in the heart is supposed to close up before they come out of the womb. But it is common for adults where the hole has never closed up. It is congenital,” Michaels’ PFO caused his left sided numbness which was symptom of a transient ischemic attack, or a warning stroke.
It is unlucky for Michaels that he is one of the 20 % that remains to have PFO. First was the report on his brain, and now, his heart. It is sad for Michaels that his vital organs are being affected, but it is a good thing that he is recovering fast with his brain hemorrhage. For his, heart, it is an advantage for him that there is an open heart surgery. There are options for Michaels about his surgery, whereby he is either to choose from procedures that can close the hole in the heart, or he could have a clamshell surgery. Clamshells are sealing devices that cover the hole in the hopes that the heart will mend itself.
Related posts:
- Back to the Hospital: Bret Michaels’ Stroke or Warning?
- Bret Michaels With a Hole in His Heart
- Bret Michaels Re-Hospitalized Because Of Possible Stroke