Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with mitral stenosis as follows:
- Reduced output of blood from the heart, in individuals with valvular heart disease, can result in low blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and diastolic readings below 60.
- Persistent back-up of fluid in the heart chambers can lead to progressive deterioration of heart function, enlargement of the heart, weakening of heart muscle, and heart failure. Individuals can present with swelling of the lower legs, with pitting upon applying slight pressure. Keep a close watch on the severity of pitting and report to your physician regarding any progressively increasing pedal edema. Observe compliance with intake of diuretic medications prescribed, if any.
- Fluid back-up into the lungs in individuals with valvular heart disease 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. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday oxygen saturation readings. Report to your physician regarding any oxygen saturations consistently below 90. Oxygen dependent individuals must observe compliance with oxygen supplementation recommendations and report any need for increase in rate of oxygen delivery. Observe compliance with planning of activities ahead of time, based on endurance levels.
