patent foramen ovale

[kngswim]

I know heart palpatations are connected with B12 deficiency, but I wondered if anyone else in this forum knows if they have/had a patent foramen ovale AKA a hole in your heart between your right and left atria? My patent foramen ovale (PFO) was spotted on an echogram with a bubble study in March after I had aftereffects from covid. Believe it or not, ~25% of the population is thought to have a PFO, but they aren't thought to affect everyone clinically. I was diagnosed with B12 def in 12/2017, with an unknown cause, although I have GI issues too, so at least an absorption issue. I am one that has to SI x2-3/week depending on my activity level to keep my symptoms at bay. I just got my PFO closed and I'm (hoping) curious if it will lessen the frequency I need B12. Thoughts anyone?

[B12life]

There may be but I don't see any conclusive studies for a correlation of PFO and b12 deficiency. I would just continue the b12 deficiency and see if your b12 deficiency eventually resolves to the point you don't need supplementation, but that could take some time. I do know that getting a PFO fixed helps with headaches and migraines and prevents strokes.

[Polaris]

I had migraine with aura for years. Then my son told me about the pfo during training for Dive Master Certificate, after which, I read it can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Suddenly, everything began to make sense - fatigue, heart symptoms, etc.

I asked GP for tests, was found to have two pfo, immediately diagnosed and thyroid treated. Later, after optimal thyroid treatment, a scan revealed just one pfo 🤔

It wasn't until I'd been on B12 injections every other day for four years that my migraines disappeared and I can now eat chocolate, cheese and tomato without any effect 🤗.

I hope this helps, kngswim and you're recovering well.

PS. Optimal B12 and thyroid treatment reduces homocysteine and the risk of stroke.

[kngswim in reply to Polaris]

Interesting with the 2/1 PFOs!! Yes, there is definitely a connection with migraines with aura and PFOs! I've read many journal articles on PFOs and if I remember right like 50% of migraines with aura are connected to PFOs!! Did you get your PFO fixed? I had my surgery in August. It was quick~2 hours!! But was in the hospital for most of the day, but still pretty crazy that it can be outpatient!! Good luck with your scenario!

[GoddessSue]

Hi, my son aged 35 has been found to have a PFO. He had a retinal stroke found by the optician, showing as tiny spot in his vision. He'd suffered migraines for a few years and it was discovered he has really hi B/P He's had lots of scans,tests since etc and still waiting on results from 24 B/P test and 72 hr heart rhythm test (still getting through covid back log) We are under impression he would probably need the operation to close the PFO. Please can you tell me how long it took to get the operation from being told, and did you need to keep taking various meds after or did some stop. Thanks Sue.