Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with mitral stenosis as follows:
- Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the heart, in individuals with valvular heart disease, can result in reduced blood and oxygen supply to all the vital organs, contributing to compromised organ function.
- Reduced blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle, in individuals with valvular heart disease, can result in damage to the heart muscle, arrhythmias, chest pain, and discomfort. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any signs and symptoms of arrhythmia, such as, fluttering in the chest, racing or abnormally slow heartbeat, poorly felt pulse, dizziness, any episodes of loss of consciousness, chest pain and/or discomfort, and fainting. Observe compliance with intake of anti-arrhythmic and other cardiac medications, as ordered. Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any.
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of clot and emboli formation, such as, acute dry cough, sudden chest pain with exacerbation of shortness of breath, acute calf pain with swelling of the lower limb, and dizziness.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for smoking cessation, if applicable. Observe compliance with intake of blood thinner and anticoagulant medications, if any ordered. Observe compliance with periodical lab draws, as ordered, for any changes to be made in the dose of anticoagulant medications.
