Blood pressure

[Chariothunter59]

Last October I had my aortic valve replaced im 59 and the replacement aortic valve is 20mm fixed appature my symptoms have not improved, I still get lite headed really short of breath my blood pressure average is 95/54 and ejection fraction is 52, I now have angina they say it's because of the low ef of 52, also the new Valve has a small leek into my my stomach which they've said is nothing to worry about,I didn't have a low ef before or angina?

[Bumpitybump]

Sounds like you have some big challenges, very best of luck, sorry I can’t help with more relevant info.

[Happyrosie]

If this is something that your doctor doesn’t know about as yet then it would be a good idea to have a chat within/her.

[Cliff_G]

I'd have a sneaky guess they have you on a beta blocker, these can produce very similar symptoms. Have a word with your doctor or preferably the surgeon who did it, see if your meds can be adjusted.

You say you have a leak into the stomach which they are unconcerned about. This sounds very odd to me. I suggest you also clarify what is meant here. Unlikely (though not impossible) to be a leak back through a new valve, could possibly be slight regurgitation back through your mitral valve.

[Redfloyd]

I had a AV replacement and CABG in September. I left hospital with an EF of 40. I'm able to walk anywhere and for the last month I've been using a chainsaw and an axe. I've even got myself an exercise bike but can't use that at the moment because of a knee issue. Don't think an EF of 52 would give you problems but you blood pressure does sound a bit low, mine is 140/72 ish. Not ideal but if it drops much lower I can't function, light headed, loss of balance, fatigue etc.

[007ABC]

Hi there, I had aortic valve replacement in March and now have the exact opposite problem, my BP was pretty good before the operation….and now it’s very erratic and ridiculously high sometimes….even on new meds so it’s all quite worrying. I hope you get sorted out. Best wishes for New Year.

[road2ruin]

Hi, October is still early days for feeling a lot better. Your blood pressure is too low, though. Your EF is good, 52 is more than OK. Often they put you on beta blockers or ramapril, this may be the cause. Discuss it with your doctor, there are many alternatives.

Good luck and happy new year.

[Chariothunter59 in reply to road2ruin]

I had the replacement aortic valve in October 2023.

[survivorsguilt]

My advice is to contact your cardiologist by email for reassurance.

[Cat04]

I had AVR two years ago. I improved for approx 6 months and then my symptoms returned so I was given an echo. It has shown PPM (patient prosthetic mismatch ) the implanted valve has turbulent flow & moderate obstruction together with new onset moderate mitral valve and moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, concentric remodelling left ventricle with hypokenetic changes and my ascending aorta has dilated further. I'm waiting for a cardiology appt to see what he & the surgeon say is the way ahead now.

[Chariothunter59 in reply to Cat04]

I'm sorry to hear that. I have a feeling I'll be in a similar situation. I don't really want to have to go through the same operation again, but we'll have to see what happens.

[Cat04 in reply to Chariothunter59]

It's disheartening to learn the op didn't do all that was hoped of it. Fingers crossed we'll both get satisfactory answers soon.

[Tlyna]

I have also had an aortic valve replacement and no problem BUT before I had it i was on Ramipril (someone else also mentioned that med which is why I am) and I developed shortness of breathe so bad I couldn't walk 20 feet without doubling over trying to breathe, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, lightheaded and vision problems. When I finally read up on the side effects I was shocked to have so many of the less common but more severe ones so went off it and just doubled up my metoprolol tartrate and the symptoms abated for a few months then came back just as bad. That is when my heart valve problem was diagnosed. Not sure if the Ramipril caused it or made an existing problem much worse as I have always had a heart murmur but it was always mild.