Can you exercise vigorously if your foramen ovale is not closed?

In general, strenuous exercise is not recommended for patients with patent foramen ovale not yet closed (abbreviated as PFO in English). PFO has little hemodynamic impact on the heart, but there is a strong association with unexplained strokes. The presence of a PFO results in “paradoxical embolization”, which can cause corresponding clinical symptoms. Unclosed patent foramen ovale with unexplained stroke, transient ischemic attack or migraine should be treated with medication (anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents), transcatheter occlusion of the PFO, and surgical closure of the PFO. After active treatment, the prognosis of this disease is good, but it needs to pay attention to daily life management and avoid strenuous exercise. It is recommended that patients should visit relevant departments in hospitals in time, improve relevant examinations and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of professional doctors.