Aortic Stenosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Aortic valve stenosis is also called aortic stenosis or AS. It is a disease of the aortic valve in the heart. The aortic valve lies between the left ventricle (lower chamber or a room in your heart) and the aorta. The aorta supplies blood to your head and your body, including the heart muscles. Aortic stenosis occurs when the cusps (flaps) of the aortic valve get thicker and stiffer. This causes the valve opening to get smaller. The smaller opening makes it difficult for blood to be pumped out into the aorta.
  
  
• Some people with aortic stenosis were born with a problem in their aortic valve. Aortic stenosis can also be caused by calcium building up on the cusps or by an infection called rheumatic fever. Symptoms may not occur until the stenosis gets bad. You may begin to feel chest pains, dizziness or fainting, and shortness of breath. Care for aortic stenosis includes tests to watch for worsening valve disease, medicines, and diet changes. Most people with aortic stenosis will eventually need aortic valve surgery.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• When you make doctor or dentist visits, remind them that you have aortic stenosis. Carry a card in your wallet or purse that tells about your heart problems. On the back of the card list all the medicines you are taking. This information will help caregivers if you ever have an emergency.
  
  
• If you are taking antibiotics, take them until they are all gone even if you feel better. Caregivers wil tell you to take antibiotics before and after dental work, surgery, and other medical procedures. This is very important when you have heart valve disease. The antibiotics will help stop infection when your blood is exposed to germs, for example in your mouth. If you have had rheumatic fever you may be given antibiotics once a month or every three weeks. This will help stop the rheumatic fever from coming back.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

What I can do to feel better:

• Activity: You may feel like resting more. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. Rest when you feel it is needed. Going to bed early and getting up late may also help. If you have shortness of breath or fatigue (feeling tired), you may not be able to do heavy exercise or sports.
  
  
• Good nutrition for your heart: Get enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help prevent poor nutrition and muscle wasting. You may be told to eat foods low in cholesterol or sodium (salt). You also may be told to limit saturated and trans fats. Do eat foods that contain healthy fats, such as walnuts, salmon, and canola and soybean oils. Eat foods that help protect the heart, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sources of fiber. Ask what a healthy weight is for you. Set goals to reach and stay at that weight.
  
  
• Drinking liquids: Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink each day. Good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, such as some coffees, teas, and sodas. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may be found in beer, wine, vodka, and other adult drinks.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.
  
  
• Manage your stress: Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have these symptoms even after treatment:
  
  
  • Shortness of breath during activities like climbing stairs.
    
    
  • Chest pain.
    
    
  • Dizziness.
    
    
  • Heart beating too fast and not regular.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen or has a rash. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your illness or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Fast and irregular heart beat.
    
    
  • Fainting (loss of consciousness).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Cold clammy sweating.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Aortic Stenosis (Aftercare Instructions)