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Patient Recovery Update: Kerrigan Stops Beta Blockers, Gains Energy and Improves Blood Pressure

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 10, 2025

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, aortic valve replacement patient

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.

Blood pressure and hypertension classification

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!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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