Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of aortic stenosis 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.
- 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.
- Acute weight gain: Fluid back-up and edema due to valvular disorders can contribute to acute weight gain.
