Palpitations and chest tightness after patent foramen ovale closure
Under normal circumstances, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a surgical procedure used to treat patent foramen ovale. Palpitations and chest tightness after PFO closure may be caused by cardiac functional adjustment, excessive fatigue, allergic reactions, arrhythmia, thrombosis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Cardiac Functional Adjustment
After PFO closure, the heart's structure and function may undergo changes, especially in the early postoperative period. This adjustment may lead to temporary cardiac maladaptation, causing sensations of palpitations and chest tightness. These symptoms are usually normal physiological responses following surgery, and adequate rest is generally sufficient for recovery.
2. Excessive Fatigue
Following PFO closure, patients are relatively weak. Failure to get adequate rest or engaging in heavy physical labor may lead to excessive fatigue, resulting in insufficient cardiac blood supply and symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and chest tightness. Getting sufficient rest and avoiding overexertion can help alleviate these symptoms.
3. Allergic Reaction
If a patient is exposed to allergens such as pollen or dust during recovery, an allergic reaction may occur, leading to symptoms including chest tightness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. Skin itching and redness may also accompany these symptoms. Under medical guidance, medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, or chlorpheniramine maleate tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Arrhythmia
After PFO closure, changes in the heart's electrophysiological activity may occur, potentially triggering arrhythmias, which can cause feelings of palpitations and chest tightness. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as quinidine sulfate tablets, procainamide hydrochloride tablets, or verapamil hydrochloride tablets to help relieve symptoms.
5. Thrombosis
Improper procedural technique during PFO closure may lead to thrombus formation. If a clot forms within the heart or blood vessels, it may disrupt normal blood flow, causing chest tightness and palpitations. Prompt medical attention is advised. Under a physician’s guidance, medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, or ticagrelor tablets may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, ensuring adequate rest, and avoiding strenuous or intense exercise are important during recovery to promote healing and prevent complications.