Possible Complications Some people may have a condition shortness of breath and low arterial blood oxygen levels when sitting or standing. This is called platypnea-orthodeoxia. This is rare. Rarely, people with PFOs may have a higher rate of a certain type of stroke (called paradoxical thromboembolic stroke).
If a PFO exists, a little blood can flow between the atria through the flaps. This flow is not normal. The condition is most important because it raises the risk for stroke. Blood clots can travel from the right atrium to the left atrium and out to blood vessels of the body.
While PFO usually doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms, it can be serious. PFO increases the risk of a stroke caused by deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form in the veins of the legs.
Possible complications of patent foramen ovale may include: Low blood oxygen. Rarely, a patent foramen ovale can cause a significant amount of blood to go around the lungs. This lowers blood oxygen levels, a condition called hypoxemia.