Hello I’m new to the group and I was wondering whether anybody could give me some advice on this condition or any help on how to sleep better
I have had an operation on my heart in October 2021, I had my Ascending aortic valve removed and a new valve placed inside and then the aortic valve re-grafted onto my heart. Since then I’ve had thumping in my throat or a metallic sound which sometimes is quite loud at night sometimes this makes it very hard To sleep. I am trying meditation at night before I sleep which sometimes helps but after working all day it seems quite loud
Written by
LordHaldon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi I had a valve, & by pass in July of last year, a pacemaker in January of this year all caused by endocarditis, They normally tell you about the valve being noisy & like yours mine is. It’s not louder at night I don’t think just a quieter time.For your own sake, please remember with a metallic valve you should never have to have it replaced again, unlike the tissue valve.
Unfortunately I am back in hospital & have been for about 2 weeks with suspect endocarditis
Thank you so much Andy for your reply .So sorry to hear you’re back in hospital I hope you have a speedy recovery . Bless you .Know what it feels like to be in hospital but at least you’re in the best place for your recovery. Yes will embrace my ticking and at least I won’t have to go and have it replaced again which is a blessing as well i’m also glad that I had it done when I did.Sounds Like you’ve been through the wars but know The NHS for all the people moaning at it don’t understand it until you’ve experienced it and seen how wonderful they are ,well that’s my experience.
bless you Andy take care and I hope you get home soon.
Hi, I had my aortic valve done 3 years ago and hardly notice the ticking now. I remember it seeming quite loud initially but I think I was sleeping quite well as my body was always tired by the end of the day with the recovery and me generally trying to increase my activity levels.Don't fancy the op again so happy with my ticking.
I had my AVR done about about 2.5 years ago and replaced with a mechanical one. Over the years the clicking has got less noticeable, not sure if the valve is making less noise or I just don't notice it any more. At night though I do hear it. Although it doesn't really bother me any more. When I first came out of hospital in Oct 19, I was very aware of it and also of, what felt like, a very strong heart beat in my chest and throat. This too has subsided or again I have got used to it. Being recently operated on you are probably quite stressed about it still, I was with you on that one. But it does take time to come to terms with these things. I even had some additional help with my mental health.
Good luck and I am sure all will be well. Your GP, I am sure though, will be happy to give you the once over if you want.
I had a mechanical aortic valve fitted March 2021. At first, I was aware of the clicking sound and my heart seemed to be thumping away, particularly when reading in bed at night. It also seemed more noticeable if I turned onto my left side. I think partly it was more noticeable then as it was quiet around me and it is normal to be very aware of your heart after the op. 12 months on, it is rare that I notice any sound. I may have more used to it I suppose but now when I notice the beating, it gives me reassurance that all is working as it should. All the very best with your recovery.
Hi. I too had a new mechanical valve in 2017 through an aortic dissection. Yes, a tad noisy now and then, particularly when it's quiet around. I found getting back to meditation was the hardest, though it made me more determined to focus on the breath, not the valve. As some say, they do seem to get quieter as time goes on, whether that's one getting used to it, I don't really know.
And as pointed out, they won't need to go in again as they would eventually with a tissue valve.
Don't forget to watch your INR carefully. I found the clinic was letting it go below 2.0 sometimes, perhaps for a couple, of weeks. After a hospital visit for a possible PE they increased me to 2.5-3.0 (from 2-3), so now when I get to about 2.3 they start upping my warfarin, so I know I'm always above 2.0. Investigate self-testing (on the NICE website). Also keep your oral hygiene good, daily flossing, and ask your Dentist for antibiotic cover for any work.
I had my aortic valve replaced in 2005 as well as part of the aortic arch. It takes some time for the internal swelling to go down, for me it was longer since I'm petite, but unfortunately the "noise" never goes away completely depending on what you're doing. When I'm home I tend to keep background noise on as a distraction, music, an audiobook or tv. As for sleep, I have been using a white noise machine for years, it has several settings (crickets, babbling brook, etc), I prefer the ocean waves. Good luck.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Help with choosing heart valve 
Heart valve replacement. 
Recovery after new valve
Living with a mechanical heart valve
AVR with new Ispiris Valve
