I choose Aortic Stenosis as one of the congenital heart defects, that cause heart valve disease, consequently leading to heart failure. The four heart valves are characterized by tissue flaps that open and close to allow blood flow into the heart chambers and the entire body. Aortic Stenosis is reported following the narrowing of congenital bicuspid aortic valve, therefore interfering with the flow of blood from the heart to the body.
Pathophysiology
Aortic Stenosis causes aortic valve narrow due to thickness or stiffness of the valve flaps. This reduces the flow of blood through the valves into the heart chambers and the body, and causes blood to fail to flow in the direction that is supposed to flow, interfering with the cardiac output therefore causing heart failure.
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Clinical manifestations
The clinical manifestations include; abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, abnormal sound, swelling of ankles and feet, and fainting.
Diagnostic evaluation
Diagnosis of aortic stenosis include checking the signs and symptoms and a physical examination of the patient. The physical examination includes listening to the heart to check for murmurs. Further, laboratory examination is done by conducting a series of tests. According to Mayo Clinic (2020), the tests include; Echocardiography to assess the structure of the heart, the valves, and the flow of blood; chest X-ray to establish the size of the heart; exercise and stress tests the measure the heart’s activity tolerance and response to physical exertion.
Therapeutic management
Therapeutic management include the use of drug therapy to treat the heart valve disease. Drugs are used to prevent cardiac malfunction, valve abnormalities, and delay surgery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, bisphosphonates, and angiotensin receptor blockers will be used to slow down progression of aortic stenosis (Borer & Sharma, 2015).
Nursing care management
The nursing care approaches include; developing a well-defined plan care and follow-up plan for the patient; advising and supporting the patient to utilize the available support system, including government aids, and safety netting.
References
Borer, J. S., & Sharma, A. (2015). Drug therapy for heart valve diseases. Circulation , 132 (11),
1038-1045.
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Heart valve disease. Retrieved from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-valve-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353727
