What is the approximate incidence of patent foramen ovale in the adult population?

The incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the adult population is indeed within the range of 10 - 25%. A patent foramen ovale is a small opening in the heart that normally closes shortly after birth. However, in a significant percentage of adults, this opening remains patent, and studies suggest that this condition is quite common, especially among certain populations.

This range effectively reflects the prevalence studies conducted that have assessed the incidence of PFO through various methods, such as echocardiography. The majority of the population may remain asymptomatic, hence the PFO often goes undetected. The figures also suggest that the condition is more common than some major congenital heart defects or other cardiac anomalies, while still highlighting that not every individual has it.

Understanding this statistic is important for recognizing how prevalent PFO is and for assessing its potential implications in cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to conditions such as stroke, as the presence of a PFO can sometimes increase the risk of embolic events.

The other potential ranges do not accurately represent the existing data on PFO incidence in adults based on clinical studies, which have consistently indicated that while it is common, it does not occur in the higher frequency suggested by these wider ranges.