Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with aortic regurgitation as follows: 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with aortic regurgitation as follows: 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with aortic regurgitation 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of aortic regurgitation as follows: Blood clot formation: Compromised heart function with fluid back-up, in individuals with valvular disease, can increase the risk for blood clot formation. These blood clots floating in circulation can be deposited in any vital organ as emboli, obstruct the blood flow, and can result in serious complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Compromised end organ function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the end organs, [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of aortic regurgitation as follows: Heart failure: Increased back-up of blood with valve disorder can result in increased blood volume and pressure in heart, enlargement of the heart, progressive weakening of heart muscle, and heart failure. Patients can present with symptoms of heart failure, such as, fluid retention in the chest leading to difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs, swelling of the extremities with pitting edema, and grossly limited [...]