There was an article in our local paper recently about a guy who had a stroke at 28 years old from the same condition.  He wasn't in great shape but he wasn't in horrible shape either when it happened.  I am very glad to hear you are OK.  Listen to your doctor but don't be afraid to ask questions.  I wish you a speedy recovery.

Brad, that was the article you sent me. That guy's stroke was so bad he had to re-learn how to walk. And he thought he was lucky! Mike and I are the lucky ones, we were given a warning, not the real thing.

And Susan Rachel is right. Surgery (closure of the PFO) is the way to go. Blood-thinners are NOT something you want to be on for the rest of your life.

20% of the people here on this forum still have their PFO (we all have one at birth, it normally closes during infancy). Not hydrating during exercise thickens the blood. Thick blood increases the chance of blood clots. Strenuous exercising increases the chance of a clot passing through the PFO and causing a stroke. Is that something you want to risk? At the very least, hydrate when necessary and talk to your doctor about maybe taking a daily baby aspirin.

I'm just glad that you're okay, and it sounds like you've got a pretty positive attitude about it.  I hope that you and the doctors can make the most of the situation.

Wow this is an eye opener !  Moth, it sounds like you're dealing pretty well, but still - that's scary stuff !

I'm not too surprised that there are some people out there with an extra hole in their heart.  But 20% ?  That's crazy!

Glad to hear there is an "easy" fix.

Wow, Moth. Blessings to you and I'm glad to hear you're ok.

Dang, Moth...thanks for telling us about this.  Glad to hear it wasn't worse.  Just the word "stroke" is scary to hear.  Best of luck with treatment and recovery.  Hang in there, man.

Very glad that you're ok Mike!

It is good to hear you made it through, your fitness no doubt helped in that aspect.

It is truly bizarre how some people are predisposed to high cholesterol, despite their activity level.  For some of us, it does not matter what we do, our numbers are what they are.

For me, it seems the more active I am, the higher my number.  It really is weird.

Is there any correlation to PFO and high cholesterol? My number is not high enough to warrant meds, but I get a long drawn out lecture every time I am seen by a health care professional about becoming more active.

Thanks everyone. It's been a rough day only because I haven't had anything to do but research my condition on the internet which while informative was also confusing and making me antsy. So I headed off to the Y and walked a mile. My HR was low to begin with but due to cardiac drift it naturally began to climb to 80 bmp and I kept looking at the monitor which probably made it go higher! I just came back from GNC to score Omega 3 / fish oil because I don't like what I'm reading about Lipitor. I'll consult with my orthopedic about our next move. I appreciate all the well wishes.