Breathlessness & Exercise Tolerance Archives | Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic

The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

When to Operate in Aortic Stenosis: Timing, Symptoms, and Considerations for Intervention

The timing of intervention in aortic stenosis is critical. Delaying surgery or transcatheter procedures until symptoms become severe or complications arise can lead to poorer outcomes. Conversely, intervening too early may expose patients to unnecessary procedural risks. For exceptionally fit individuals aged 75-85, timely intervention can be particularly advantageous, as they may tolerate surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) better than expected for their age. In these cases, earlier treatment may prevent irreversible damage to the heart and reduce the risks associated with waiting until the disease progresses further.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition. It predominantly affects older adults and has significant implications for cardiovascular health, life expectancy, and quality of life. The incidence of AS is climbing because of increased life expectancy. Timely intervention, especially in symptomatic patients or those with progressing stenosis, is essential to optimise outcomes. This article explores the nuances of AS diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the importance of patient involvement in the care pathway.

Angina

Angina is not a disease in itself but a symptom of underlying cardiac problems. It is important for both patients and healthcare providers to recognise that angina acts as a warning sign of the heart’s distress. Typically manifesting during activities that increase the heart’s demand for oxygen, such as physical exertion or emotional stress, the anginal symptom indicates that the heart is not receiving enough oxygenated blood.

HFpEF versus HFrEF: making sense of diastole

This post is not for the faint hearted! It is a technical description of how the heart works, and may help some readers/listeners to understand the difference between HFpEF and HFrEF. The main objective of this blog is to emphasise the enormous potential of reducing left ventricular stiffening as we age. This can only be accomplished by paying attention to key health metrics from mid life, all influenced by lifestyle, diet and physical exercise

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Health

The hallmark feature of OSA is the repetitive cycle of breathing cessation followed by gasping or choking as the body attempts to restore airflow. These disruptions can occur multiple times throughout the night, impacting the individual's overall sleep quality and daytime functioning.