From my own experience and patient research, I know that the physical, social and mental benefits of attending a good cardiac rehabilitation program are overwhelming. Unfortunately, physician referrals of these patient programs are… underwhelming.

I’ve been disgruntled about this in the past. But, today I received an email from Karen which included an updated study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology about cardiac rehab referrals.

Ready for the big finding of the study?

Currently, only 20% of cardiac patients who could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation are referred to outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Needless to say, my eyes bulged when I read that statistic.

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Kerrigan just sent me a very interesting update about his heart valve surgery recovery. As his email touched on many patient issues — fatigue, blood pressure, beta blockers and patient advocacy — I thought you might enjoy his perspective and positive results.

Kerrigan Gray – Heart Valve Replacement Patient

Hi Adam:

Remember how I was saying even 1-1/2 years after the surgery for aortic valve replacement I was still losing energy?  It was so bad that, after climbing stairs, I had to sit down and rest. I could not do normal activities without becoming exhausted.

So I started searching the Internet for more information. Eventually, I discovered a discussion group that connected fatigue to the use of beta blockers. FYI, I was on a beta blocker (metoprolol)… a generic for Lopressor.

As I did not have high blood pressure before the surgery, I finally pressed my cardio-physician as to the clinical reason I needed Lopressor after surgery. She hemmed and hawed for a moment and responded, “It’s basically a protocol to have heart surgery patients on blood pressure meds after surgery.”

I questioned, “Forever? Even if I did not have previous problems with blood pressure? What if I stop taking it?”

The cardiologist said, “Okay, lets try getting you off Lopressor.”

Within a week after discontinuing the medication, my energy started to return. Within three weeks, I was feeling like my old pre-op self. I was finally able to do most activities without exhaustion. And, my blood pressure is now normally LOWER than when I was on the medication! My blood pressure runs around 115/79 most days I check it now. On the meds, it was 125/85 on a good day. I think exercise and diet keeps my blood pressure low.

The bottom line for patients… Don’t assume anything. Ask questions. Press the doctors for specific data as it relates to YOU.  Often times, I’ve found many physicians follow “protocols” instead of what YOU, the patient, might specifically need.

Boy is it nice to walk up a hill again without stopping every 10 feet to rest!

Adam, thanks again for all you do. Your website, together with your heart valve book, made all the difference!

Kerrigan

P.S. A quick note from Adam… Please remember to check with your physician before altering your medication therapy. While Kerrigan’s story illustrates a positive result from stopping Lopressor, each patient case is unique and should be evaluated under proper medical supervision.

Ted just sent me an email that rekindled a memory about my stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) following heart valve surgery.

He writes, “Adam – My wife is going in for aortic valve replacement next week. I want to support her morning, noon and night. Do you know if I will be able to stay in the ICU overnight with her? Thanks, Ted”

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Jim just sent me this question about post-operative echocardiograms. He writes, “Adam – How often should an echocardiogram be performed after surgery. I had my aortic valve replaced. Thanks, Jim”

As I’ve shared before, each patient situation is unique. However, unless there are post-operative complications, many of the patients I speak with have an echocardiogram performed once a year. FYI, I’m one of those patients. Each December, I spend 30 minutes with Loretta, the technician at Torrance Memorial Hospital, for the echocardiogram. After that, Dr. Rosin, my cardiologist, reviews the film with me. So far, so good.

If you would like to learn more about echocardiograms, I just found this educational video that is pretty helpful. I also found the video below which addresses mitral regurgitation.

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I just received this insightful email from Steve, who recently had heart valve surgery. I thought you might really enjoy it… So, here it is:

Steve Miller -Heart Valve Replacement Patient

Dear Adam -  Congratulations on getting that article published in The Chicago Tribune! Also, thank you for writing such an informative and helpful book. I am a nine week recipient of a St. Jude’s mechanical aortic valve. It is working well and I am on my way to full recovery.

I would like to share the following tips, thoughts and ideas – many of which you previously mentioned – to stress their importance to fellow patients.

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