A strange question, perhaps.
I had my valve sparing aortic root replacement in July 2014 (dacron aortic root placed, my still functioning bicuspid aortic valve ...Read more
A strange question, perhaps.
I had my valve sparing aortic root replacement in July 2014 (dacron aortic root placed, my still functioning bicuspid aortic valve spared for continued function). After an initial 3 month or so recovery period, I have done well.
Here's my question for the group: has any one else noticed a change in the "quality" of their heart beat following heart surgery (particularly aortic root replacement surgery)? What I notice is that I can perceive my heart beat more obviously--lying down, reclining back in a chair, or even taking deep breaths (on the inhalation phase). It's almost as if the "sound" from my heart beat bounces off of my dacron aortic root with the sound being amplified as if someone flicked their finger softly against a drum). I'm guessing that my positioning changes the fluid or pressure dynamics of the blood and that what I'm perceiving is actually very soft sound waves that resonate off the dacron root with the sound being further amplified if I have a full amount of air in my lungs (sound accentuated as it travels through air). To be clear, I don't actually hear the sound audibly. I simply feel the heart beat in a more robust way. Feel well otherwise. Last physician check-ups including EKG, echocardiogram, labs, and physical exam was fine.
Anyone else with similar changes in how you experience the quality of your heartbeat following heart surgery?
Marie Myers I got a new aortic root, aortic valve, and ascending aorta 3+ years ago at age 63. Yes, I noticed rig ... Read more
Marie Myers I got a new aortic root, aortic valve, and ascending aorta 3+ years ago at age 63. Yes, I noticed right away that I had a stronger, more noticeable heartbeat. It does vary a little with position and deep breathing, though. I attributed it to the lessened aortic regurgitation, but you may be right with your theory. It was a bit annoying in my early recovery, but nowadays I don’t notice it as much.
John Freedy Thanks for sharing Marie. Helpful. I'm 58 and had my aortic root replacement at 52. Guess I'm noti ... Read more
John Freedy Thanks for sharing Marie. Helpful. I'm 58 and had my aortic root replacement at 52. Guess I'm noticing it more bc I recently took up meditation. Helps to know others have similar experiences. Hoping you have a healthy and happy 2021.
Rose Madura Like Marie, my heart was noticeably stronger and louder. Sometimes, my head in certain positions a ... Read more
Rose Madura Like Marie, my heart was noticeably stronger and louder. Sometimes, my head in certain positions at night on the pillow I can hear it "pounding" to the point it keeps me awake unless I move my head. I consider it a blessing!
Shannon Gray I had the same surgery and have felt similar sensations. I also notice it at the same times. I never ... Read more
Shannon Gray I had the same surgery and have felt similar sensations. I also notice it at the same times. I never knew what it could be, so your thoughts are very interesting.
stephanie arnold I'll be darned. I sleep with my ear kinda propped on the edge of the pillow so I won't hear the stron ... Read more
stephanie arnold I'll be darned. I sleep with my ear kinda propped on the edge of the pillow so I won't hear the strong heart beat. I read somewhere that they cut the pericardium to get at your heart's innards and don't always see it back up. something to do with fluid collecting. but they say that would cause the heart sounds more noticeable. (hmmm??)
Well, I woke up this Saturday morning in fairly good spirits. I had last week off to begin to prepare for my surgery (valve sparing aortic root replacement) ...Read more
Well, I woke up this Saturday morning in fairly good spirits. I had last week off to begin to prepare for my surgery (valve sparing aortic root replacement) to occur this coming Thursday July 10th. I've been spending time with family and friends and getting some last minute things in order. Time with loved one's is an incredible blessing. Also doing several things to care for myself: extra sleep, a massage, visit with my minister, messaging friends about visiting me during recovery.
With all of this, I still have a deep down fear. Hard to describe. Actually, hard to believe that I'm going though all of this at the age of 52. I do trust my doctor (Ikonomidis) and his team. Probably fear of a big procedure and the recovery (it won't all be a bed of roses). Also, probably some fear of,the unknown, a bad outcome (even though unlikely), and the future (for my health and family).
Please forgive my ramble, simply where my mind is at as I approach surgery. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be highly appreciated.
John
Aortic root=5.0 cm
Aortic regurgitation measured at 1+
Physical symptoms=some shortness of breath with moderate exertion such as, briskly walking up 2 flights ...Read more
Aortic root=5.0 cm
Aortic regurgitation measured at 1+
Physical symptoms=some shortness of breath with moderate exertion such as, briskly walking up 2 flights of stairs
So far, I find the psychological aspects of this experience (diagnosis and recommended treatment course) to be the worst of the experience by far-sadness, anxiety, fear, and worry. Yuk!!!