Warning Signs Of Aortic Stenosis

Reduced Level Of Activity

Aortic stenosis causes a decrease in the amount of circulating blood in the body that is rich in oxygen. This malfunction occurs because the oxygenated blood returning to the heart from the lungs cannot flow into the aorta at a normal volume due to the valve opening being too narrow. A healthy individual who increases their level of physical activity requires a better and faster supply of oxygen to the tissues from the lungs and the heart. While it is good for a healthy individual to exercise their cardiovascular system, it can cause the heart and lungs of an individual who has a heart condition to become overwhelmed. Physical activity alone in a healthy individual is an increased burden on the heart, making it twice as much of a burden for the heart of an individual who already has compromised function. Aortic stenosis patients may experience lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and fainting upon physical exertion because their cardiopulmonary system cannot handle the increase in demand. Thus, they often have a reduced activity level because of this.

Learn more about the warning signs of aortic stenosis now.