Some studies have found that patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are more common in people with unexplained strokes and migraines with aura. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) or hole in the heart, affects millions of people and can cause a stroke.If you have a PFO and low blood oxygen levels or an unexplained stroke, you may need a procedure to close the hole. This does not mean that everyone who has PFO will experience a stroke or mini-stroke. Typically, a PFO causes no problems. Patent foramen ovale is relatively common in the general population, but its prevalence is higher in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke.