Symptom 8. Reduced Exercise Tolerance: The Subtle Indicator of Aortic Stenosis
Engaging in physical activity should leave you feeling invigorated and full of life. However, for some, it’s a daunting task that leaves them panting, drained, and unable to keep up. If you find yourself struggling with exercises that you could previously manage with ease, it could be a sign of aortic stenosis.
Reduced exercise tolerance in aortic stenosis isn’t just about an inability to finish a marathon or climb a mountain. It’s about battling fatigue from routine activities such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries. It’s like being shackled by invisible chains, slowing you down and weighing you down when you should be soaring.
Why does aortic stenosis lead to reduced exercise tolerance? When your body engages in physical activity, it demands more oxygen. The heart responds by pumping more blood. However, aortic stenosis narrows the heart’s exit gate, limiting the blood that can flow out. The result? Your body’s demand for oxygen outstrips the supply, leading to fatigue and breathlessness.
Reduced exercise tolerance isn’t always about aging or being out of shape. If you find yourself frequently out of breath, struggling to keep up, or feeling unusually fatigued after mild physical exertion, aortic stenosis could be the culprit. It’s as if a phantom force is holding you back, sabotaging your efforts to move, to breathe, to live. (8)
