Patient/caregiver was educated that signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis can vary from mild to severe depending on the degree of stenosis, severity of obstruction to the blood flow, and the extent of vital organ compromise.
Patient/caregiver was educated regarding signs and symptoms as follows:
- 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 further.
- Diminishing renal function
- Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure. This retained fluid can increase the load on already failing heart and further complicate the outcome.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle will result in low blood pressure and result in hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to the brain can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents.
