Aortic stenosis- Symptoms, diagnosis, and management

Aortic stenosis- Symptoms, diagnosis, and management

Aortic stenosis is a common and severe health condition where the aortic valve (one of the valves that regulate blood flow in the heart) partially close, interfering with heart-related blood flow. This condition can occur for various reasons, and its severity determines the therapy administered. If left untreated for a long time, this condition may lead to severe complications, including heart failure. Some warning signs, causes, and remedies for managing aortic stenosis are listed below.

Symptoms
People may experience various symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. When the valve narrowing is big, more severe and visible symptoms appear. This condition could go unnoticed for many years before becoming critical. Some of the signs of aortic valve stenosis include fast or fluttering heartbeat or palpitations, feeling dizzy or faint after engaging in any activity, chest pain or tightness increased due to movement, irregular heart sounds detected with a stethoscope, breathing troubles (especially when active), exhaustion after increased activity, and loss of appetite. Fatigue, breathlessness, sleeping troubles, and swelling in ankles or feet indicate complications like heart failure.

Causes

Age-related wear and damage
This condition is most commonly diagnosed among people over the age of 65. Blood flow through the arteries may be restricted due to calcium buildup on the valve with age. Lifestyle choices have a direct impact on the heart and its health. 

Damage due to infections
When bacterial infections go untreated, they may build up on heart valves and cause the immune system to harm the valves by itself. It often occurs with strep throat or scarlet fever, which, if left untreated, can result in a condition known as rheumatic fever.

Hereditary or chronic illnesses
Aortic stenosis can also be caused by familial hypercholesterolemia, Paget’s disease of bone, and renal failure. It is also connected to autoimmune or inflammatory illnesses such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis
Any primary care physician will refer a patient to a cardiologist for a more thorough examination to look for signs of this condition. It can be determined using several techniques, including:

  • Physical examination – A doctor checks for ankle and lower leg swelling and monitors heartbeats to detect any symptoms.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Sensors are affixed to the chest skin to measure the heart’s electrical activity.
  • Chest X-ray, angiography, or cardiac CT scan – Each method involves X-rays taken to examine the inside of the body.

Treatment
Various treatment options are suggested for managing this condition, like blood thinners for heart rhythm problems and mild cases of aortic stenosis. Valve repair is another option in which the surgeon creates an incision in the chest to fix the valve. A catheter with a balloon attached might be placed into an artery to treat the condition. When a valve cannot be fixed completely, it is replaced through certain procedures like aortic valve surgery, Ross procedure, and more. To increase blood flow and help the heart function more efficiently, the valve, in such scenarios, is replaced with a donor valve.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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6 best foods for managing common health conditions

Different foods can become "superfoods" when eaten in the right amounts frequently, enabling optimum health. A variety of whole foods, such as vegetables and fruits, high-quality protein sources, and other items, will ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs. Many common chronic illnesses can be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle and tweaking changes to one's eating habits. The following foods are among the best to consume often to avoid common health issues: Best foods to eat to manage common health conditions Avocado Fruits with monounsaturated fats, like avocados, promote healthy blood flow and brain ability. It can lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cognitive decline. It equates to around 20% of the daily recommended fiber intake in a portion of 1/2 cup. It can be eaten as avocado toast or a side dish topped with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Beans Iron and fiber, abundant in beans, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cancer and heart attacks, and generally maintain a healthy body. It also helps with weight management and ensures adequate daily protein consumption. It can be a quick salad with kidney beans, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and fresh lime. Berries Berries are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients that support a healthy body. It is well known that blueberries improve memory and can lessen the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A cup of strawberries has a full day's worth of vitamin C, essential for its skin-firming effects. Any berry can be eaten with a cup of yogurt and a pinch of ground cardamom to add flavor. Broccoli This vegetable, which is rich in the vitamins C, A, and K, can help with the prevention of cancer in general as well as tumor formation. It is also a significant source of vitamin K, which helps in normal blood clotting. Eating 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli daily is suggested to maintain good health. After tossing broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and pepper, it can be consumed by roasting it and garnishing it with grated parmesan. Eggs Egg yolks contain antioxidants that help prevent macular degeneration, maintain healthy eyes, and shield skin from UV ray damage. Choline, another substance found in eggs, aids brain growth and memory. Whites are low in calories (and have no fat or cholesterol) and a good source of protein. They are abundant in vitamins A and B12. It pairs well with a sandwich with tomatoes, red onions, olives, anchovies, and a drizzle of olive oil. Nuts Different types of nuts have distinct health benefits for the entire body. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in walnuts, can enhance mood and heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Flaxseed, a powerful plant food high in omega-3 fatty acids, has reduced the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Consuming walnuts, almonds, cashews, or other nuts can improve one's overall health and well-being.

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