post op consultation

[Hridhoy]

saw my cardiologist for the first time post surgery.

He seems happy with my recovery and said everything’s normal. Even the anxiety. I mentioned the ectopic beats, he said even healthy people have them.

Now, one thing that I am finding little unsettling is my bpm.

I go on 40 minutes walk everyday, have a usual route, flat surface with a little bit of uphill walking. My bpm, during walk, is still same as what they were six weeks ago, it’s not slowing down. I also go twice a week to rehab exercise. After exercise session my bpm take longer to settle down.

I am 2 months post surgery, (I am on 3.75 Bisoporolol) surely by now my heart health should show signs of getting healthier? Or am I being too hard on myself?

Your thoughts and and post op experience on similar issues would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

[Hidden]

Hello

I think you are doing really well and would be very happy with this result

I think maybe you are been a little to hard on yourself

Did you mention this at your appointment ?

You could mention it to the Rehab Nurses but when exercising BP and heart rate will go up and then slowly come back down

Ask at the next Rehab class as well

I am sure you will get some better explanations from others when they read your post x

[Chappychap]

You don't say what your numbers are.

I find that walking on the flat or gently undulating routes that prevail here in Hampshire and the New Forest, I can't get my heart rate up to a high enough level to qualify as proper exercise. Even walking at a really fast pace means my heart rate won't get above about 90 bpm. I need to get it above about 110 bpm and keep it there for at least 30 minutes. Bisoprolol means that won't happen. Consequently I have to run or go the gym.

But you're still very close to your surgery, you really need to be 12 weeks post op before you can start pushing yourself, and before you can trust your metrics, and for your medication to settle down.

I salute your determination to shake up your life style, that massively improves your prospects for a healthy, active life. But don't read too much into these very early experiences.

Good luck!

[Hridhoy in reply to Chappychap]

hi, thanks for your reply,

Sorry forgot to mention the numbers. 40 minutes of walking with BPM ranging from 104 to around 128.

On my Apple Watch my resting BPM is anything between 74 and 86.

With mild to moderate anxiety, depending on what I’m worrying about, my resting BPM is a little inconsistent atm.

[Chappychap in reply to Hridhoy]

That doesn't sound too bad at all. Eight weeks post surgery I'd have been well pleased with that!

I'm not medically qualified to pass judgement, but I'd say you're doing brilliantly!

[Hridhoy in reply to Chappychap]

I thought I was being too hard on myself, I probably am.

Thanks for you reply

That’s reassuring.

[aviation1]

I am now 16 weeks MVR (OHS) and I was the same as you - if you pushed too hard - as in above 120 walking quickly up hill - did it set you back as I feel a little wiped out the next day or two if I do too much