Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffLearning that you or your child has a patent foramen ovale can be frightening. While your doctor can provide you with medical advice and information about the disorder, you may find it helpful to talk to other people who've been in the same situation. Support groups include Mended Hearts for people who have survived heart disease and Mended Little Hearts for parents of children with congenital heart problems. Call the American Heart Association at 800-AHA-USA1 (800-242-8721) and ask for Mended Hearts support or visit its website. Mended Hearts can also be reached on weekdays at 888-HEART99 (888-432-7899). You can also ask your doctor or your child's doctor if he or she knows of any support groups in your area.
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