1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Cardiovascular Disorders

Left to right shunt

Posted , 3 users are following.

lucy16273
lucy16273

Ive been feeling breathless for several years now I've been screened by the chest and respiratory docs and sent back to cardiology (where I started)

During a bubble test I received the news that I have a "significant left to right shunt"

They're going to discuss me in an upcoming meeting but I've heard nothing since. I don't even know what this is or whether I should be worried?

Symptoms have been breathlessness at rest, increased upon exercise, lethargy, numb hands and forearms sometimes in the morning, chest pains and brain fog.

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • Scotgal
    Scotgal lucy16273

    Posted

    I assume from your post regarding a bubble study and a subsequent left to right shunt that you

    have a patent (open) foramen ovale. The foramen ovale is supposed to close within hours after

    birth, but sometimes it doesn't, thus a patent foramen ovale is the resultant dx. These abnormalities can be addressed through a catheter procedure, which corrects what nature

    should have taken care of. Good luck moving forward with this issue. It is easily remedied here

    in the US. Sometimes they can't be fixed with a catheter procedure, but end up needing open

    heart surgery. I'm sure your physician will explain all of this to you.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.