Mechanical AV noise

[Templar889]

Hi, dies anyone have Eva mechanical Aortic valve fitted? If so. Can you tell me about the noise that make please. Still trying to decide on mechanical or biological.

[Fredders]

I have a mechanical valve and I don’t notice any noise now. I could hear a slight ticking noise initially if it was very quiet. I know some people have said they can hear theirs, but I think it’s like any constant noise, you soon get used to it and don’t notice it. My husband has only heard the ticking if he puts his head on my chest! 🤪

I had a mechanical valve because I have had a splenectomy and didn’t want the risk of having to have a third AVR - my first AVR was a tissue one which started to leak within a couple of years.

All the best.

Wendy

[Templar889]

Cheers Wendy.

Am a bit baffled by it all just now. Both have merits So it’s just deciding which way to go. Mechanical for longevity or bio fir lifestyle. Are anti coagulants an issue and how are doing with blood monitoring? Any help is much appreciated. Jon.

[werd]

I have had a mechanical valve for over 47 years now would not change it for the world. Plus point do not need to. the only drawbacki seem to have a little hair loss at 73

Yours.drew

[Stevo1979 in reply to werd]

love hearing people who have had a mechanical valve for 30 / 40 years +, it really puts my mind at ease

[Mikedabike in reply to werd]

Wow, that’s really fabulous news. Just had mine done in December 2019 at a ‘young’ 61 years of age. Forgive the pun, but it’s really heartening news to hear your story.

[Stevo1979]

I have a mechanical valve, hardly ever hear it now. If you are young enough I would get a mechanical one, I was 39 at time of my op and I hopefully never have to do it again!!

[Templar889]

Great reply’s, seems to dispel some of the myths around valve noise.

Have any of you had any difficulties around the anticoagulants ?

Great to hear real life experiences.

[Templar889]

Stevo, how is the training going now? I’ve trained all my life and am hoping to get back to it after my AVR. How has your medication affected you?

Many thanks.

[Clickyvalve]

I had two mechanical valves fitted 2 years ago. The noise did bother me at first. I still notice it, especially in bed at night, but now I actually find it comforting. It reassures me that my spare parts are in good working order!

As for anti-coagulants, I’m on warfarin for life. It is a bit of a nuisance but it hasn’t had as big an impact on my life as much as I thought it would, especially now I am self-monitoring my INR levels at home instead of at the Drs.

[Templar889]

Hi Clickyvalve, many thanks for your reply. The sound issue is one that may impact me the most as I struggle sleeping with any noise🤣

The longevity of mechanical valves does appeal though. Jon.

[andy110519]

I got a mechanical valve last May and I only notice the ticking at night or when it's quiet in the house and I'm relaxing. Don't normally give it much thought though.

Warfarin is OK, lack of alcohol is my main gripe although you do need to watch with other drugs, even ibuprofen which I can't take now.

I didn't have time to make an informed decision about which valve as I only knew 6 days prior to op that there was anything wrong! Having gone through the op (full open heart thru the breastbone) I'm glad it's a mechanical as I'm only 51. Now running a 5k in 31 mins, slightly faster than pre op so alla good!

Andy

[Templar889 in reply to andy110519]

Hi Andy. Great time for the 5k. My best was 38 and that was before any symptoms started! 🤣🤣

[Templar889]

Andy. Sounds like your doing well mate.

I thought you could still drink with warfarin but not excessively?

Do you have any concerns around internal bleeding or is that not an issue for you? So many things to think about. 🥴🥴

[Mikedabike]

I have a mechanical valve that was ‘installed’ in December 2019. I am physically fit, but did not fancy the chance of having to undergo another surgery in years to come. In my own case I found it quite novel to hear the ticking. I generally only notice it now at bedtime, or if I am in a quiet room reading. It took a good few months for my warfarin levels to stabilise, which I presume is to be expected. At the moment I only have my INR levels checked every 6 to 8 weeks. Thanks partially to the lockdown I have actually found it easier just to stop drinking alcohol. I wasn’t a big drinker anyway. If ever lockdown ceases I may have the odd tipple. Strangely enough I don’t miss it at all. In terms of diet, I always ate relatively healthily. To keep things simple though I have simply stopped eating asparagus, broccoli and kale. Other than that my diet hasn’t changed.

[Tubbylardo]

I had a mechanical valve fitted in June 2020. I wanted the new Resillia valve but the surgeon refused on the basis they don't have a proven history. Due to my age (46) he insisted on a metal valve. I am glad he did as since the op the number of people I have spoken too who know somebody who had a tissue fitted and it went wrong or failed is worrying.

The clicking bothered me at the start and still annoys me now ..... but better than being dead.

[Templar889]

Luckily I don’t like veg!🤣 I understand about the not being proven as well.

I know they quite up to 30yrs where as done mechanical valves can and do last a lot longer. Not sure if I’m making more of the valve noise than is needed??