High BP after aortic valve replacement - any experience?

[SpareNib]

Five days post-surgery with Edwards Resilia Inspiris valve. Not keyhole, but mini- sternotomy. BP was more or less OK til yesterday - now up and staying high. Have had ecg yesterday and await doc today. Am back on usual losartan since yesterday and higher bisoprolol. Heart thumping a bit after mini walks up and down the eerily deserted corridors. Has anyone experienced this BP issue, or can offer enlightenment. Thanks.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! This was my reply to a similar question a few days ago:

Increase in BP post heart valve surgery in neither common nor uncommon. This is thought but not proven to be related to improved cardiac function. A friend's wife was on a beta blocker for about twenty years before triple valve surgery. Afterwards her BP started creeping up. An increase in the beta blocker did not solve it but adding an ACE Inhibitor did. So whilst it is an issue to be addressed it is nothing untoward.

I assume you are still in hospital?

[SpareNib in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael - thanks for info. My BP initially dropped to textbook levels just after the op but then started rising to the point of my feeling myself pulsating. Dreadful feeling, keeping me awake at night and exhausted in the day. Mobility is fine - getting mini walks in several times at all hours. I thought I was on my previous dosage but it is extra Bisoprolol (now 2.5) and same Losartan (100). Yes, still in hospital - locked down, almost deserted and no outpatient, clinics or regular surgery. No visitors, but can FaceTime my family. Very stressful but others here are worse off in some cases. Can hear but not see them - bed bays sectioned off with hazard tape, no mingling at all! I’m thinking of starting up a secret club, communicating with fellow inmates by banging codes on the heating pipes like in The Wooden Horse, I think.

[lettingoffsteam]

How was your bp before the op?Was it well controlled? I have no experience of your op but I do have experience of high bp and know that controlling it is a delicate balancing act.You went through a lot in the surgery so it probably takes time to adjust plus your heart is getting used to the new valve.At least you are in hospital and can be checked and ask questions.I hope things settle soon and you can get home.🙂

[SpareNib in reply to lettingoffsteam]

It was reasonable - always sky high in the surgery. I could chill my way to lowering it at home, with relaxing music, quiet room and eyes shut. But no one can sustain that - just looking to get it down until I can start to address the fitness and bring it down naturally. Stay safe yourself 👌🏻

[lettingoffsteam in reply to SpareNib]

Sounds like a stressful place to be but exactly the right place for now as they can monitor you.Have you tried meditation? I normally go to a class locally but she's moved online now.You might be able to find something to participate in.My one is on momoyoga.I hope things settle soon.

[080311]

Hi, SpareNib

I had AVR and bypass, as your only 5 days post op would think your still in hospital? They will try a few combinations of drugs as Michael as said to get it right.

Hope you have continued improvement, remember when you get home it’s baby steps listen to your body you have been through major surgery. Come back to the forum if you need any advice there are plenty of us here that have been where you are now.

From now on it’s onwards and upwards, you are travelling on the mended heart road that we are on.

Stay safe best wishes Pauline

[SpareNib in reply to 080311]

Yes, still in hospital. Very surreal as the normally bustling outpatients and clinics are deserted. No queues for ecg or X-ray - no one on the corridors so the porters can get up to speed along the windy routes. Staff all in various levels of ppe and patients masked while being moved about. Daytime you can be distracted with iPad, books etc but with no visitors or actually seeing people’s faces is unsettling. I’m just taking it one day at a time - last thing I need is to leave the relative safety of here and have to rely on a GP I’ve never met, to take up such critical care on the outside. The hospital doesn’t have readmission on the menu, so it’s vital to get it right now. Just feeling upset the BP is not behaving yet. Thanks for your kind wishes Pauline

[080311]

Hi SpareNib

I thing I would say to you that once you are home and usually 6-8 weeks after your surgery you should be starting cardio rehab, not sure when it’s starting up again I know some people are doing it on line. I would urge you to do it I found it invaluable, as much for getting my stamina back but my mental health. Being around people who have had the same experiences as you makes a huge difference. Those aches and pains you have they have them to so you say that’s ok it’s normal, also the cardio nurse is there for any questions you have taking blood pressure if you feel the need.

Hoping your blood pressure is behaving it’s self!

Stay safe best wishes Pauline