EARLY SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TIPS TO PREVENT AORTIC STENOSIS

Have you been experiencing shortness of breath lately? Is it accompanied by chest pain and a feeling of dizziness? These symptoms may be due to underlying aortic stenosis, a cardiac condition that may lead to heart failure if not diagnosed and treated on time.

The average heart is made of four chambers with two atria and two ventricles. Four valves are present in the heart - the tricuspid valve, the mitral valve, the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve - which provide an outlet for blood from each chamber. The aortic valve is present in the left ventricle, connecting it to the aorta (the largest artery in the body). It helps prevent the back flow of blood.

As your heart contracts and relaxes, the valves open and close, thus allowing blood into the atria and ventricles alternatively. If the valve opening becomes narrow or is damaged, it can reduce the flow of blood out from the chambers. Aortic stenosis refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve, thus blocking or decreasing the blood flow from the left ventricle (the heart's main pumping chamber) into the aorta. As a result, your heart needs to work extra hard to be able to push blood. This overworked condition may lead to a weakening of the heart, causing heart failure.

Atherosclerosis and calcium deposition:

The most common cause of aortic stenosis is atherosclerosis, which is a result of the gradual deposition of calcium on the aortic valve. Such deposition, often due to increasing age, can lead to stiffness of the valve tissue. Less frequent etiological factors include a history of infective endocarditis and rheumatic fever.

Symptoms of aortic stenosis:

It is a gradual condition, and the symptoms may occur over a long period of time. These include breathlessness, especially with increased physical activity. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification may be used to grade the shortness of breath. You may experience fatigue and become aware of a pounding or fluttering heartbeat. Episodes of syncope (fainting spells) may be observed. You may experience a tightness in the chest.

A physically stressful situation, like exercise, can increase trigger the symptoms.

Here are some tips to help prevent aortic stenosis:

Improve your dietary habits: Consuming a healthy diet with potassium-rich components like spinach, kale, and broccoli is an excellent way of maintaining normal blood pressure levels. This, in turn, can aid in delaying aortic stenosis.

Reduce cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream can increase the chances of aortic stenosis. Lifestyle modifications like healthy dietary choices and exercise can keep cholesterol levels in check.

Say no to smoking: In addition to the large number of ill effects that have been known, smoking has a significant influence on the development of plaques in your arteries, thus leading to atherosclerosis.

Maintain blood sugar levels: People who live with diabetes must be cautious about vascular complications like this. Diabetes can affect the heart valve and trigger inflammation, which may be succeeded by the accumulation of calcium. Taking prescribed medication on time and routine check-ups with the endocrinologist are recommended.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may raise caution, consult your medical practitioner at the earliest.

2023-12-07T11:41:37Z dg43tfdfdgfd