“Did Your Heart Pound Like Crazy After Valve Surgery?” Asks Josh
Josh just asked me an important, post-operative question about elevated heartbeat sensations after heart valve surgery and aneurysm repair. I responded below but, if you are a former patient, maybe you can help Josh by leaving a comment as well? Here is what he writes:
“Adam: I do have one question about something that is bothering me. I’ve tried to do some research on the web about this, but haven’t really found anything. After surgery, all the medical personnel involved had said that I’d be more ‘aware’ of my heart beating after aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair. That is, due to the fact that since my pericardium would be cut for surgery, I’d lack the ‘insulation’ it provides. Boy were they right! Sometimes I feel like my heart is pounding out of my chest. When I’m laying down on my sides or stomach in bed, I hear my heart beating through the pillow louder than ever. And here’s the kicker - when I’m in a sitting position (driving, watching TV, at the computer, etc.) and I inhale deeply, it seems like I feel my heart literally banging against my upper chest/throat area. When I exhale, it seems to go back to normal; or the “new” normal anyway. I was curious as to whether you or anyone else on the blog has felt a similar sensation. Thanks Josh!”
So you know, I had the exact same experience that Josh describes above. How about you? Did you experience a loud and pounding heartbeat after heart valve surgery? To leave a comment, please click here.
Also, if you scroll down, you will find over 45 responses to this post.
Keep on tickin!
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the opportunities and challenges of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:40 am
32 years after my heart valve surgery (when I was 7), I still have an acute awareness of my heart rhythm. I sense each misfiring contraction and each normal beat (when I’m still). I don’t often sleep on my left side because the beating seems more pronounced for me, so I’m a right-side sleeper.
When I was younger I did feel the sensation you mentioned - that of my heart beating high in my chest. Now that I’m older and heavier, I don’t encounter that feeling as much (perhaps I just became accustomed to it!). To help “hide” the feeling I am usually moving some body part to create a sensory distraction. It isn’t anything that most people would notice - sometimes I wiggle my toes or very gently shake my legs while sitting.
I’m not aware of my heartbeat most of the time, but when I want to I can focus on it and know what’s going on.
Here are benefits to feeling your heart beating:
1. You are alive!
2. You can take your own “pulse” without holding your wrist
3. You can sense when you need to slow down while exercising
May 21st, 2009 at 10:49 am
Great points Kevin!
Thanks for sharing!
Have you had the same valve for the past 32 years?
Keep on tickin!
Adam
May 21st, 2009 at 11:13 am
For the first six or so weeks after my Ross surgery, I had to sleep in a near sitting position. If I lay down, the pounding would literally keep me awake. During this time I also noticed that my resting heart rate was noticeably higher than before. All these issues are now gone. Another weird sensation was how my heart beat before and after surgery. All my life I never had the sensation of two contractions per beat, just one pounding beat. This is difficult to describe, but after my surgery I now notice two distinct pulses per beat. Don’t really know why. What I do know is that I feel great and my echo’s look good. Wish you the best.
-Shelby
May 21st, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Yes! I had the same sensation! I was sitting around “recovering” and commented to everyone how I was “moving” while just sitting there. I might as well have been in a rocking chair!
……another thing that didnt happen till month 2 was about 2 weeks of fluttering heart rythm that would sometimes last the night…apparently this was normal too.
May 21st, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Oh, yes — the dreaded preventricular contractions and atrial fibrillations. I started with the former and ended with the latter over a period of two weeks or so. Miserable. Mine were constant for two weeks, and then ended as quickly as they began. I should have mentioned these in my previous post.
-Shelby
May 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I did have the same sensations after my Ross. I was certainly more aware of my heartbeat…especially while resting or sleeping. I still have it somewhat today, but as Kevin says, it means that I’m still alive!
May 21st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I had aortic repair last July and have experienced the same sensations that you describe. At first it kept me awake to the point that I went several weeks using my MP3 player ‘in-the-ear’ buds with music to drown out the sound/sensation for sleeping.
Thankfully, it seems to have gotten much better or perhaps I’m growing less sensitive to the experience, but it’s unquestionably not the same as pre-surgery. I talked to my surgeon about it and he was unfamiliar with the complaint but theorized that the Dacron tube graft, being less flexible than my native aorta, may transmit the heart beats more readily.
By the way, my resting pulse rate for the first month after surgery was about 20/min higher but now it is only about 5/min higher.
May 21st, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Adam, I am assuming both you and Josh were cleared for atrial fibrillation, which can cause the pounding sensation. Has Josh worn a holter monitor after his surgery to catch these episodes and perhaps shed further light on them? I did have a bit of atrial fib after my mitral valve repair but it converted quickly. I did not experience this pounding, but I did not have the same valve involved. It sounds as if it resolves with time, so I hope that will be the case with Josh.
Cheers
Leslie
May 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I’m still just 2 weeks out from my Mitral Valve repair surgery. I have experienced the same or similar sensations that Josh is describing. It is especially predominant at night and a couple of times kept me from sleeping. It seems to be subsiding somewhat (or I’m adjusting to it) at this point. But at first it had me worried.
May 21st, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I to had similar problems. I could not lay flat at night, my heart was just pounding. My doctor adjusted my nighttime med and his nurse suggested I try sleeping on my side or use a body pillow. Tried sleeping on my side clutching the heart pillow I was given in the hospital. Have had no problems since and no more pillow.
May 21st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I could not sleep for the first week after valve replacement… I suddenly had a very strong heart beat! My surgery was Feb 6 and I still have times when my heartbeat seems very loud. I have learned to think of something else and it disappears. Good luck.
May 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Josh,
I had similar sensations after Mitral valve replacement although milder than you describe. I had Atrial Fibrillation and and it really bothered me.
My new Cardiologist put me on Sotolol for several weeks then performed Cardio-Version (colioquially - jumpstart).
It worked really well, the old ticker has settled down really well, a few minor sensations but reducing - nothing to worry about. The Sotolol reduced my BP to the extent that I no longer need Atacan (Hypertension medication).
Happy happy
Best of luck
Ross
May 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve and my ascending aorta replaced with gortex, my root rebuilt and a graft/bypass as well as a pacemaker implanted 4 moths ago. I have the EXACT sensation that you described. When I told my heart surgeon about it he said the EXACT same thing your Dr,’s and nurses told you “You will be more aware of your heart beating.”
May 21st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Absolutely. I had an aortic valve replacement and aortic graft in October, 2008. I couldn’t believe how strong my heartbeat felt. In fact, it still does to a degree, but not like in the weeks immediately following surgery. If I laid on my side the sound of the beating heart really reverberated if my ear was pressed against a pillow. I thought that surely my wife could hear it, but she said that she couldn’t.
I’m presuming that this is the result of a stronger, tighter, properly functioning heart and I’d gotten used to it not working at 100%.
May 21st, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I have had my aortic valve replaced when I was 20, 38 years ago now. I do recall being more aware of the sounds after the surgery a definate click, but I was a lot thinner in those days. I may have weigher about 160 in those days. I am 6′1″ and now weigh about 210. I work out every day, rowing. As I have gotten larger the noise is less noticable and now I can barely hear it at all.
I will be getting it replaced (same valve for 38 years) in June along with my aortic root. I will be very interested to see if the St Jude valve is more quite than the antique I have now.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Dear Josh,
I am seven weeks post op from aortic valve replacement and aortic root repair which was very successful. the only lasting symptom that I have is an impressive pulse sensation in my throat. It often disturbs me so much that I have to stop what I’m doing for a moment.
I was so glad to hear about your symptoms because I thought that I was the only one that had this. I have talked to many people who have had aortic valve replacement and no one else has described this. My cardiologist and surgeon seemed unconcerned after making certain that I did not an arrythmia. I cannot get any official explanation for this condition and my hope is that it will subside or diminish with time. I have done a lot of research about this and cannot find much information. I hope that someone can explain it.
Thank you asking about it.
Annette S
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 am
Josh… I had a similar experience after my aortic valve replacement. With every heart beat I thought my head was literally twitching to the side… to the point I was self conscious of it despite it wasn'’t really twitching! I’m going on 12 weeks post op and I can say that I no longer really feel that anymore. I always thought of it as getting back to “normal”. It “sounds” like you’re doing fine!
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Josh, You have described my symptoms exactly. It has been 6 months since I recieved a new upper aorta and new aortic valve. I feel my heartbeat out in my arms , in my neck and chest. Particularly while lying down. I can stand 4 or 5 feet in front of someone in a relativly quite, take a deep breath and hold it and they can easily hear my heartbeat. I am very thankful to be able to still have it ticking!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Thanks everybody!!!
As you know, there is nothing better than hearing “you’re not alone” from other patients about recovery issues and post-operative, patient life.
I really appreciate all of you taking the time and energy to support Josh!!!
Have a great Friday!!!!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 am
hi annette and everyone else, i have the same sound coming from my new aortic root and valve. i noticed it about 2 days after surgery. ive noticed that most of us have had the root replaced and i wonder if its the sound of the blood hitting the dacron material? it seems everyone is guessing, whoever i talk to anyway offers an opinion. but no one has actually said that they are sure of what causes it.i find that it changes with my neck or abdomen position. like sitting back or bent over it seems to change.someone said that its the sound of blood actually getting thru my valve , and i never really had that all these years with the faulty one that i had.if anyone has a scientific answer or any other ideas or questions, email me at jeffstoveken@yahoo.com thanks, jeff
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
It is good to know that I am not alone as I too experienced a pounding heartbeat following the repair of both my aortic valve and aortic aneurysm. The symptoms would come and go but seemed to be more pronounced when I was lying down or sitting in a chair. Interestingly enough, they would subside when I stood up. I was unprepared for this and wondered if what I was feeling was normal and perhaps it was something I would experience the rest of my life. My Cardiologist was not too helpful in setting my mind at ease and I certainly was left with the impression he was unaware of this symptom. I am please to report that at 3 months post surgery this pounding sensation has signficantly subsided and I am nearly back to normal.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
I had a tissue valve input 8 weeks ago and I had the same loud heartbeat in my ears when I lay down or put my head against anything that basically forced the sound back. I did not really hear it sitting up nor did I ever feel that my heart was actually beating hard. That may partially be due to the fact that I had listened to this beating in my ears and even felt it in my chest for several years prior to reaching the point of having the surgery.
This does make going to sleep a little challanging.
I am now 8 weeks out and do not notice the beating sound in my ears much anymore.
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
I’m now about 4 months out of surgery for aortic valve replacement, and ascending aorta replacement.
I still notice the stength of the heartbeat seeming to be stronger than prior to the operation and that makes sense to me.
The valve was very bad for years and the heart was having a hard time maintaining a “regular” beat and now that it has a new valve it is working as it should and I read that to mean “stronger” so I’m not surprised by the feeling it is firmer, more solid, a beat.
The doc says this is normal for me so I don’t alarm over it any longer.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
When I go to sleep at night and the house is very quiet I hear my heart beating. During the day when I am active and there is noise in my office, I do not hear my heart beating. My surgeon, Dr. Oz, suggested that I leave the TV on at night if the noise from my heart beating prevented me from sleeping. I have not had to do that because the noise from my heart beating has not prevented me from going to sleep. Good luck.
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Yes, I did, and it scared me to death (almost). But my wonderful cardiologist, Dr. Joseph Garcia, hospitalized me and got my heart regulated. I have been off all heart medications for six months! Hope you have the same results.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:29 am
I also had pounding in my chest, particularly when lying on my back or side. However, what I also had (and wasn’t warned about) was 2 bouts of Atrial Fibrillation after surgery. The first one was 3 days afterwards, the other was 3 weeks afterwards and hospitalised me for 2 days. Apparently this is common although not ‘normal’. It was enough to worry me but it would have been useful had someone warned me that it could happen. Hope it helps.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Hi,
I’m a 60 year old woman who had Aortic and Mitral Valve replacement (2 cow valves) and a by-pass 3 months ago yesterday, then a pace maker last month. The pounding of my heart has been the most annoying of symptoms, and I have received no answers about it from anyone. I also experience the even louder and it seems faster pounding when I try to inhale deeply - which is a little on the frightening side. What is this? Even at 3 months out, this is still happening. Will it go away? Wish I could give some answers - but I don’t have them, and this is the first mention of it I’ve found on the internet. Hope someone has the answer.
Mimi
May 28th, 2009 at 4:16 am
I am 62 years old and on the 20 November 2008 I received an ATS mechanical aortic valve. I think the major problem is that you become acutely aware of that wonderful organ called a heart. Initially my heart would continually do the gipsy trip but I am still acutely aware of it pounding at times after 27 weeks. The other annoyances that I experience is the clicking (a clock in my chest) mainly during quite times and the lifelong warfin teatment and associated blood test. I guess little to complain about because I still have my life thanks to those wonderful and dedicated medical professionals.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Yes it did. It was explained to me by my surgeon at my six week check-up(wished I had known sooner) that the pericardium of the heart is opened. The pericardium acts like a muffler for the heart. When there is a hole in it, the sound transmits more just like having a hole in a car muffler. Ones heart beat is elevated post-op - it takes considerable time to get it reconditioned with prescribed exercises and also for the hole in the pericardium to close over. At 3 months post-op, under doctor supervision, I was in a supervised cardiac rehab program. It helped me so much. Prior to that I diligently did the prescribed exercises/walking. Meditation tapes, music, and Reiki were helpful to allay stress and in so doing lowered my heart rate. I resumed my Tai Chi at 4 months. I am grateful for my recovery. At times, I wondered!
May 31st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Very common to feel this, especially if lying on left side, most likely due to inflammation post op, and change in fluid dynamics in chest - this settles down after a few month. As long as heart isn’t racing fast >120 bpm at rest no worries. Almost every open heart surgery patient experiences this.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thank you for the encouraging comments!
I have been beginning to think I still have something
wrong with another valve. Patience!!
MImi
June 5th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
hi,
i had aortic valve replace on march 17th 2009.
wow. the pounding in my chest is amazing. also, have a quite fast heart beat always over 100 bpm. puts my mind at rest now i read some of your blogs.
thank you,
dave tranmer
June 19th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I have that pounding the feeling and I haven’t had valve repair surgery.
It happens sometimes from being in certain positions. Sometimes just from bending over to get something from the refrigerator. Some episodes are shorter; my longest has gone on for 8.5 hours. I was on Crestor five years ago for about 5.5 months and this brough the problem to my attention dramatically, but until now it could not be documented on an event recorder.
I do have a mitral valve problem and for that matter a lesser problem with the aortic valve. I am scheduled to have my A-fluuter and A-fib corrected on August 10, 2009. Could it be my A-Flutter and A-Fib causing this sensation. The hospital did review my coronary angiography test from 4.5 years ago and my cardiologist’s records and hasn’t recommened repair of my valve(s)
Nope I’m not on coumadin or plavix either. I have stomach problems which are too lengthy too cover here.
June 21st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hello, my name is Danny. Havent had surgery but going for my 1st check up since finding out i have an acsending aortic anyurism. Really looking for anyone to chat with. Very nervous and scared. Im 35, have always been healthy and my world came to a hault 5 months ago. Dont know if im in the right place, but could someone tell me about an online support group? Adam im about to get your book. Ive been looking at your site for 5 months now… and its the only place so far ive seen that has any kind of answers. Thanks to anyone who can help. My email is tdh7674@yahoo.com
June 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I had an aortic valve replacement and my aortic root aneurysm was fixed about 9 wks ago. It’s been that long and I still do feel that my heart flutters a lot and beats from normal to very fast especially at night. I don’t sleep much, 3 to 4 hours will be good enough for me. I went to my cardiologist for an echocardiogram and test showed that my heart is doing just fine. I am very frustrated and depressed sometimes thinking something is not normal inside. I’m glad I’m not alone. I do say sometimes I’m tired of myself and I know I need some patience.
Thank you.
July 11th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
I had both my mitral and aorta replaced with plastic parts back in March, ‘09 and tell everyone (including my doctors) that my ticker now beats like a bass drum 24/7. It drives me nuts but it beats the alternative. I just turned 52 and thought I was Superman until they found a 3.00″ x 3.25″ anuerism on my aorta and a .50″ growth of staph in my mitral. I had my work done at the O.S.U. Ross Heart Hospital. Dr. Sirack did the stitching and he is the best.
I guess Heaven wasn’t ready for me yet.
July 16th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
yes, I noticed this sitting by my sons bed at the hospital. I could see his heart beating. I truly enjoed watching it work, I hope it dosn’t bother him. He’s 10 and just had his aortic valve replaced. I have two sons with Aortic stenoises. My 12 year old had his repaired about 5 years ago and will have it replaced in time.
Sheila
July 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Hey Josh,
Just saw your post, I’m experiencing the same sensations. The nurses who have
visited me in the six weeks since my mechanical aortic valve was replaced say it’s normal. I do have anxiety about it which I will address when I see my surgeon this week. Everyone keeps telling me I’m fixed, I say I’m damaged. I think we’re both right, surgery has saved my life but my body is still in pain and won’t ever been structurally the same. I suppose we both have to get use to our new reality of having this incredibly strong heartbeat. Good luck and stay well.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hi there! had aortic valve and root replacement in October 2008 and have had pounding heart issues ever since. Heavy pounding heart especially at night with missing beats as soon as I lie down. I have also noticed small involuntary breaths on each heart beat especially when lying on my left side. My doctor says that there is absolutely nothing to worry about and I am inclined to agree, as exercise and normal daily life cause me no problems at all. During the day I don’t tend to notice anything unusual. On balance I am less worried having had advice and very happy to know that am not alone anymore!
Cheers from
Charlie
July 24th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
My wife had a Ross procedure on July 1st of this year. She has been getting intermittent bouts of “hard heartbeats” starting about 2 weeks after surgery. She does not complain of shortness of breath or lightheadedness. Her pulse usually drops when she is having these “hard heartbeats”. It brings her a lot of anxiety not knowing what is causing this issue. We go to her f/u exam in a few days, and we’ll see what her MD has to say. I’ll also have her read the previous posts to see if it is similar to what she has been experiencing.
July 28th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
This is in response to Dennis’ comment about his wife. I too have the same complaint like your wife. Although, I call it forceful hearbeats. The last visit I had at the cardiologists I told them that it usually happens at night when i’m lying down . I asked them could it be my medication that’s causing these forceful heartbeats? I am taking metoprolol 25 mg at night and was told to cut my med and just take 12.5 mg. The heartbeats are a lot better and works quite well if I try to lay down on my left side.
July 30th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I had a mechanical valve installed. My heart did not pound, but I could sure hear the ticking as the valve close. I asked my Doctor about this, and he remarked, “Don’t worry when you hear the ticking, but you should start worring when you CAN’T hear it ticking!”
August 30th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Just had my aortic vatlve replacement surgery. Still in the hospital, lying in bed feeling my heart pound away. Went on line and found the answers to my questions. Now I know why, I will go to sleep. Thank you all. This is fantastic.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I can soooo relate. I had the Ross Procedure in 95 and had a stronger heartbeat for a couple weeks. However, in June 2009, that was replaced with an On-x mechanical valve and I had an aortic aneurysm repaired ( Dacron Graft) . This time, my heart beat is extremely pronounced and has not subsided since surgery Regardless of the position, whether standing sitting or lying down it is no better. I have great difficulty sleeping. Again , my cardiologist was not aware of this symptom as was the surgeon’s nurse whom I spoke to recently. On the upside I know I am alive! Shouldn’t this be addressed? Obviously we all are experiencing this crazy symptom and it would have been helpful to be prepared.
September 13th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I hsd aortic valve replacement in 2006. I have a mehanical valve. It is LOUD. Sometimes I have trouble hearing because of the loud click. My cardiologist and surgeon said not to worry. My cardiologist even said that because I am small boned, and thin the sound louder. I feel like i have a washing machine in my chest. I was so relieved to read that I am not alone. I teach school, walk three miles a day, andhave an active life. The sound it worse some days. I feel better now that I have read the comments from others.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Hi again everyone,
Well - it’s been 7 months since my surgery now - and guess what? The heart beat is not as obnoxious now! At night it still bothers me but during the day there’s not much of a problem. I hope you all recover well. Also -did I mention that because of uneven heart beats and too fast, as well as symptoms of dizziness with exertion, and many of the same symptoms I had before my surgery, I had to have a pace maker put in as well (5 months ago now) , then because even after the pace maker I had some of the same symptoms they increased my Motoprolol and it evened it all out and I have felt much better. But it was pretty scary thinking that there was something my Docs wouldn’t tell me! Call me paranoia - but it’s all really scary stuff! Hang in there - God bless you. Mimi
November 18th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Eleven months since aortic valve, triple bypass and aoritc patch and just recently has the pounding sound of my heart beat subsided (or more likely I have gotten used to it). Still cannot read the newspaper without being able to “see” my pulse is the shaking of the paper. I can cross my legs and watch my foot bounce to the beat. Kind of reassuring actually.