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CONDITION/DISORDER SYNONYMS
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PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERN
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PATIENT PRESENTATION
A 68-year old male presents with a “pounding” heartbeat when lying down, particularly on his left side. He reports intermittent chest pain that does not seem to be correlated with exercise and frequent episodes of palpitations. Vitals are: Pulse: 96, Respirations: 18, Blood Pressure: 140/50, and SpO2% of 98%. On physical examination, the patient has a “water hammer” pulse in the brachial and radial arteries bilaterally. You notice a head bob occurring with each heart beat and audible systolic and diastolic sounds over the femoral arteries. On auscultation, there is a diastolic murmur in the second right intercostal space.
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Aortic valve does not close tightly
Inadequacy of the aortic valve or the aortic root
Leaking of the aortic valve
Blood flow in reverse direction: Some blood pumped out of the heart leaks back in
Diastolic flow of blood from aorta into left ventricle
Acute
Chronic
Increased diastolic pressure
Increased volume of left ventricle of the heart
Sites of aortic regurgitation (AR)2
Valvular
Aortic
Dilation
Inflammation
Tears
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Essentials of Diagnosis
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General Considerations
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Education on disease management reduces hospitalization
Strenuous activity should be limited
Signs and symptoms should be monitored
Emphasis on wellness and prevention
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