Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of aortic regurgitation as follows:
- Hypotension: Reduced output of blood from the heart will result in low blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to brain, secondary to hypotension and reduced output from heart, can contribute to altered level of consciousness. Eventually, this increase risk for falls and accidents.
- Exacerbation of SOB: Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the heart will result in reduced blood and oxygen supply to all the vital organs, contributing to increased dyspnea and SOB. Also, fluid back-up into the lungs can lead to fluid retention in the chest, difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs, poor oxygen pick-up, and exacerbation of shortness of breath.
- Chest pain and discomfort: Pumping of blood through defective valves in the heart demands extra effort by the heart muscle. This increased workload on the heart can result in demand for extra blood and oxygen supply. As, blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle is already compromised in individuals with valvular disorders, any extra demand can result in chest pain and discomfort. In severe cases, individuals can even present with an episode of myocardial infarction or heart attack, damaging the heart muscle further.
