If Climbing Stairs Leaves You Breathless, Your Heart May Be Trying to Warn You

There are times you may feel breathless climbing the stairs and may dismiss it as not being fit or ageing. Many also neglect it as being out of shape. However, this exertion-related breathlessness that

appears early and worsens gradually can be more than just a mild fitness issue. “When your heart fails to pump enough blood during the time of exertion, even ordinary movements like walking may become tiring. Such patterns of breathlessness usually occur before chest pain or fainting and might be the first clinical indication of aortic valve disease,” said Dr Sarita Gulati, Consultant, interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospitals.

What is aortic valve disease?

The aortic valve is present between the heart’s left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Its job is to open fully so blood can flow out easily and close tightly to prevent backflow. One of the four valves of the heart allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the heart into the body. “When it does not open or closes properly, the heart has to work harder to pump blood forward, and with the passing time, this strain weakens the heart,” Dr Gulati added. According to Dr Gulati, aortic valve disease is one of the most common and serious cardiac conditions that can significantly endanger life if left untreated. “It leads to severe complications such as heart failure and sudden cardiac death, all of which are considered medical emergencies requiring timely diagnosis and intervention,” she said.Also read: Night Owls Beware: Staying Up Late May Be Silently Damaging Your Heart

Symptoms that are concerning

A few signs can usually become severe gradually over time and should not be considered a normal part of aging alone. Early medical evaluation is important for preventing severe damage.

• Breathlessness even with the slightest effort
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or faintness
• Fatigue that is much greater than the level of activity
• Palpitations or the risk of fainting in severe cases

How can you keep your aortic valve healthy?

The kind of lifestyle you have plays a vital role in maintaining your heart health. “Some small changes, like consuming heart-healthy food (those with low cholesterol and saturated fat), exercising regularly, maintaining blood pressure, quitting smoking, maintaining good dental health, and managing stress, can make a big impact,” said Dr Gulati.

What are the available treatment options?

Early detection will be helpful in treating the disease with regular monitoring and the medications given to the patients for controlling the blood pressure and heart strain. Simple tests like echocardiography – also known as heart ultrasound- detect valve narrowing early and assess how well the heart is coping with the reduced blood flow. However, Dr Gulati says in case of severe cases, valve intervention is inevitable. “Depending upon the severity of the patient’s situation, therapies like valve replacement or less invasive approaches like TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) can be recommended,” she said. If climbing stairs is akin to running a marathon, it should not be ignored. Shortness of breath with every activity can possibly be the heart's indication of aortic valve disease. Early evaluation can help in preventing further complications and significantly improve the quality of life.