Patient was educated that signs and symptoms of aortic regurgitation can vary from mild to severe depending on the degree of regurgitation, back-flow of blood, and the extent of vital organ compromise.
Patient was educated regarding signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Increased workload of the heart
- Forward pumping of blood through the regurgitating or incompletely closed valve can be difficult due to continuous back-flow of blood into the heart chambers.
- Increased volume of blood in the heart chambers adds extra load to the heart.
- This eventually increases the effort and workload of the heart and so, must be compensated enough by extra blood and oxygen supply.
- But, since blood and oxygen supply is already compromised in an individual with regurgitation due to back-flow, any extra workload on the heart can result in chest pain and discomfort.
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Angina or chest pain can result from reduced blood and oxygen supply to the cardiac muscle.
- In severe cases, individuals can even present with an episode of myocardial infarction, damaging the heart muscle.
- Palpitations and arrhythmia
- Damaged heart muscle, secondary to poor blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, can lead to palpitations and arrhythmias.
