Qingdao, China – Waking up with swollen face and puffy eyelids can be a common occurrence after a night of heavy drinking. However, for a 33-year-old Chinese man, this led to a life-threatening situation that was not related to alcohol consumption.
After three months of experiencing symptoms that included swelling in his face, chest tightness, and abdominal swelling, the man sought medical help. Initial testing did not reveal any heart issues, but doctors noticed high levels of protein in his urine. This led to an incorrect diagnosis and a prescription that did not alleviate his worsening condition.
Ultimately, the man was admitted to the emergency room at Qilu Hospital in Qingdao where doctors discovered that he had a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA). This rare and potentially deadly heart condition was likely triggered by strenuous exercise following alcohol consumption.
Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare, affecting a small percentage of the population. Most people are unaware they have this condition until it ruptures, often due to intense physical activity. If left untreated, RSOVA can lead to heart failure and death within a year. However, with early diagnosis and surgical repair, the long-term survival rate is typically high.
The initial misdiagnosis delayed appropriate intervention and allowed the patient’s condition to deteriorate, putting him at serious risk. Doctors noted that the case underscores the importance of considering RSOVA in younger patients presenting with signs of heart failure, a condition more commonly found in older adults.
After undergoing emergency surgery to repair the ruptured aneurysm, the patient recovered well with no complications. The entire ordeal serves as a reminder for both medical professionals and individuals to be aware of the risks associated with certain heart conditions, highlighting the necessity for early detection and intervention in cases like these.