Aortic Valve

[Devaprinters]

Hi all

I wanted to share my experience, I am 69 and few months earlier I experienced breathing problems and it was diagnosed that I had a heart failure.

After investigating it was found that my Aotica valve needed replacement. This was carried out Royal Brompton. The procedure went well but unfortunately I have been having racing heart rate which in medical terms is called atrial fibrillation.

I haven’t seen any cardiologist face to face , but had few telephone consultation and all they have amended my medication. Initially I put beta blocker “bisoprolol” which did suit me at gave me great deal dizziness and high heart rate.

After my last consultation they changed my medication to (Adizem XL) this seems to better but still have occasional spikes of heart rate.

Anyone who can assist or advise.

[Rhinos67]

Hi DevaprintersI've had a replacement aortic valve too, but luckily no issues like you've described.

I'm a member of a Facebook group.. UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery though and pretty sure that on eif the other members will be able to advise

Joanne

[Hidden]

Hi, I acquired AF following my 2nd surgery nine years ago. Apparently its quite common after valve surgery, however for the vast majority it tends to be a temporary problem. Unfortunately for others like me who have Permanent AFib, it's long term. I also have a Pacemaker as I have Total Heart Block. I wasn't on Meds until about 18months ago, when I was diagnosed with HF. You may find the AF Association Forum helpful.Best wishes

[Barle]

Hi, I had my aortic valve replaced last December. In January, I suffered a bout of SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) where my heart constantly raced - in my case, at 150 bpm - even whilst trying to sleep. I spent 3 nights in Kingston hospital whilst they sorted it out. It turns out that I was deficient in magnesium, so had to have an intravenous drip to rectify. My Bisoprolol was also increased until my heart rate returned to normal levels. (BTW, doctors and nurses were brilliant.)

Apparently, SVT, and other heart rate anomalies, are not uncommon after major heart surgery. I have been fine since then. I do still suffer from occasional ectopic (ie early) heart beats – but my cardiologist said he was not worried by their frequency (based on the results of a 24 hr ECG).

Hopefully, your arrhythmia is the after-effect of your operation and will eventually settle down. Note, that alcohol, caffeine and smoking can trigger bouts. Have you been offered cardiac rehab – as structured exercise is important in recovery?

I am fine on Bisoprolol but everybody is different – your doctor can prescribe an alternative medication. Once things have settled down your dose could be reduced.

Have you been formally diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation – as opposed to another type of arrhythmia? At the very least, this will need to be observed on an ECG.

[Devaprinters]

hi Barke

I had my AV replacement done in May, I went through the same experience. Unfortunately Bisoprolol didn’t work with me I still had episodes of high heart rate and after number of visits to A&E with this.

My cardiologist decided to change my medication to Adizem XL this has settled my heart rate but I still get occasional high spikes of high heart rate.

I waiting for cardiologist appointment to discuss this further.

I guess be strong , positive, and continue to walk/exercise.

Regards

[Devaprinters in reply to Devaprinters]

sorry I spelt your name incorrectly