Flyingman

Further my to post six months ago, I've been undergoing tests since my stroke in Oct 2016.

Tests indicate that I have a hole in my heart. Arail septal defect (ASD). The hole is in the septum, this is the wall that separates the left and right sides of of the upper left and right atruim chambers.

I'm awaiting a further test to identify the hole in more detail. If all looks good, I will then undergo a procedure to close the hole.

It's now believed this is what lead me to having a stroke.

[CDreamer]

Hi Flyingman - about 20% of the population have an ASD, I have.

I was under the impression that AF was a more serious concern regarding stroke? But it may depend upon the nature of the ASD - mine was a PFO which didn't close at birth but didn't require treatment as there was no leakage.

Mine was not considered of concern and was actually helpful when having ablation - which requires a puncture being made in the septum to pass the catheter between the atria chambers.

I am wondering why it has taken so long after your stroke for this to be discovered? And was your AF ever confirmed and are you now being treated and anti-coagulated?

Best wishes CD,

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

I'm currently take Apixaban, an anti-coagulant.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart.

l'm awaiting a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). So they can learn more about the hole in my heart.

I'm hopeful of a repair.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Mine didn't show on either echocardiogram or TOE.

[wilsond]

Good luck!sounds as if they're getting to the bottom of it for you

[10gingercats]

I had a TIA and was then diagnosed with a an Atrial Septal Defect. It promptly investigated and the hole closed.It was was not large but the surgeon said he was not prepared to take the risk of leaving it alone as I had AF as well if a quiet and well behaved permanent type that does not bother me unduly.