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Aortic Stenosis Discharge Instructions, Adult


About this topic


The aorta is a large blood vessel. It takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Normally, blood flows from the heart through the aortic valve to the aorta. In this condition, the valve is narrow or does not close all the way. Blood may flow backwards through a damaged valve. If the valve is narrow, blood has problems moving through it. Both of these cause your heart to work harder. You may need drugs or surgery to treat this condition. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Control your blood pressure. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Take good care of your mouth and teeth. Brush your teeth after each meal. Floss 2 times a day. People with aortic stenosis are at risk of swelling of the inner lining of the heart. This is endocarditis. This may come from germs in your mouth.
  • Learn how to relax when you feel stressed.
  • Talk to your doctor about your heart if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may want to talk about surgery or order more tests as a follow-up. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Control heart rhythm
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Control cholesterol
  • Control fluids

Will physical activity be limited?


Avoid tiring activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal activities. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚  
  • Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
  • Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best.
  • Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
  • Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
  • Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
  • Avoid caffeine.

What problems could happen?


  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Infection
  • Heart failure
  • Heart has to work too hard

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Treat strep infections to prevent possible rheumatic fever. It may lead to aortic stenosis. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, dizziness, cough, and more sputum or change in color of sputum.
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fainting
  • Weakness
  • Feeling your heart beat through your chest

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you why I need to take good care of my mouth and teeth.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting.

Where can I learn more?


American Heart Association ‚  
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Aortic-Valve-Stenosis-AVS_UCM_307020_Article.jsp ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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