Blood pressure after TAVI

[Taviterry]

I would be interested in reports of blood pressure after a heart- valve replacement and any comments made by medical professionals.

In the months before my TAVI, my BP averaged high 130s, low 70s. After the op in July 2023 my surgeon wasn't concerned about elevated systolic readings (without specifying what would be alarming) but warned that a diastolic above 90 would be concerning.

Since then my readings have fluctuated and in early February were 130/74 (measured by a hospital nurse). Conscious of warnings given here in this Community about the risks of deep massage when on anti-coagulants, I've had lightish massages a couple of times a month with beneficial effects.

But 24 hours after a massage on March 6 I had flushed and itching skin, hives and a pounding heart for an hour. My BP was 173/76. Since then it has fluctuated, with the crucial diastolic usually remaining in the 70s and systolic veering usually between 153 and 173 (the latter being after a very sedentary day).

On Wednesday, after a 3.5-hour chilly walk, lunch and 30 more minutes outside wishing I had another top layer on, my BP was 122/65. (I thought that the cold elevated one's BP?)

I'm on Clopidogrel, Ramipril and Simvastatin.

The NHS website advises "If you're aged 80 or over, you're usually considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is either 150/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional; 145/85 or higher when checked at home". (I'm nudging 80.)

I'm not seeking comments so much about my readings, just feedback from others about theirs.

[Redfloyd]

My BP before my AVR and CABG was slightly high but not enough for concern 140/70. After the op it had dropped a bit then a few weeks ago , 4 months post op I was getting readings first thing which I know is always higher of 205/95. I'm on losartan now and have just increased to 137.5 mg. My first reading is now 170/70 dropping to 150/75 later in the day. Don't know why it had gone up so much suddenly, it's certainly not stress because I've been fortunate enough to give up work at 62 and enjoying my free time after 40 odd years of working 6 days/60hrs weeks.

[john5438]

I had a TAVI in Feb 24, my blood pressure is usually around 150/67 and pulse about 60 when taken at home. I am 87 next month.

[Taviterry in reply to john5438]

Interesting, thanks to you both. At 0600 this morning my BP (taken in a cold room) before breakfast) was 172/78. Five minutes after my returning from a five hour-walk, it was 130/68 though I expect it to increase during the rest of the day, as it did after last Wednesday's walk. Instinctively I would like to see average readings of 140s/70s, but it wouldn't be the first time that my instincts have been wrong.

My heart rate was in the 90s but this seems to be relatively low after a walk - which included a steep climb 600 yards from home.

(FWIW I gather that slightly-elevated BP post-TAVI gives better long-term outcomes than with BP that isn't, but as with so many medical measurements it's challenging to determine what is best for oneself. It's only recently that I came across the NHS guidance I quoted in my first post.)

[SandraLlew]

Hi, I had a TAVI in August last year and was then taken off Bisoprolol immediately and had Aspirin replaced with Clopidogerol.. Within 3 months of the TAVI and had a TIA and they added Rosuvastatin to the Ramipril and Clopidogerol. My BP remains in the 130 to 140/ 60 that it has always been since starting Ramipril, obviously there are some higher and some lower readings but the trend is the same.

[Taviterry]

Just come across a note I made in November 2023 after a stressful and tiring 30-mile journey by public transport to see my heart surgeon, who measured my BP at 155/85. He was unconcerned about the systolic level as long as the diastolic reading did not exceed 90.

In one week in February 2024, my levels averaged 148/77