Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | July / August 2021
My husband is slowing down . His ankles are swollen , he has a hard time walking short distances , he complains of light-headedness , and sometimes has shortness of breath . Is this just him getting older ( he ’ s 68 ) or should I be worried ? Francine , Manahawkin
Francine , my sense is that you should be a little worried . Although people do slow down as they age , if you ’ re in reasonably good health and moderately active , a noticeable slowdown could be a sign of something more severe . Swollen ankles , light headedness and shortness of breath are not a normal part of aging .
There are several conditions that could cause these symptoms , one of which is aortic valve stenosis . This is stiffening and calcification of one of the heart valves that then restricts blood flow from your heart into the main artery of your body . It is a condition that some family doctors may not have experience in diagnosing , so I would recommend that you make an appointment with a cardiologist . If in fact his aortic valve isn ’ t working properly , a cardiac center like Deborah has a range of treatment options that will make a major difference in his energy level .
For more information , visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
Richard Kovach , MD Chair , Interventional Cardiology Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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