Low blood pressure after valve repair

[FMW62]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone else suffer from low blood pressure and, if so, how do you deal with it?

I had a mitral valve replacement in 2014, which did not go according to plan - a rare allergy to Amiodrone, resulted in a split along the line of stitches, which then macerated red blood cells, leaving me increasingly anaemic. I had the split patched a couple of months ago, which has stabilised the anaemia but still left the blood count very low. However I now suffer from very low blood pressure with accompanying digestive problems, numb hands, light headedness etc..

For the previous 40 years I suffered from high blood pressure and learnt to adapt diet & lifestyle (e.g. no caffeine) appropriately. No doubt my poor heart also adapted to the pressure. Does anyone have any tips about what I can do? - I hate coffee!

If you are waiting for a mitral valve replacement, don't be put off by my story - my husband had the same operation and recovered normally.

FMW

[Vespa10]

My cardiologist recommended keeping well hydrated and adding extra salt to my diet. Hasn’t really made any difference to my BP but may help you. Good luck.

[FMW62 in reply to Vespa10]

Thanks for that. I'm the same, obvious self help measures don't seem to help.

[Chrissyh80]

Are you on any meds? I had my aortic valve replaced in October 2018. I was on 2.5mg of Bisoprolol post op. My blood pressure has been running low for past few mths. At my cardiologist appointment a couple of weeks ago he took me off them, said he didn't see any reason for me to take them anymore and they could possibly be why it's low. I have to have my bp checked in a couple of week, let's see how it goes 🤞

[FMW62 in reply to Chrissyh80]

Thanks Chrissy. I am still on Bisoporol 2.5mg, but your answer will empower me to get my GP to take me off it, while waiting for a cardiology appointment. I was on 2mg of Candarsartan as well, but coming off that has not helped. I can't keep on with the digestive problems, bad temper, exhaustion, visual disturbance and faintness! Not can my family!

[Vespa10 in reply to FMW62]

I’m not on any meds so I can’t blame them sadly!

[FMW62 in reply to Vespa10]

It seems I am scheduled for an iron transfusion, so I will see if that helps. It might even give me back my sense of taste and appreciation of real ale and wine!