Here is a question from an individual back in 2009. Not really answered by anyone. Maybe someone out there now can shed some light on this subject.
“Adam: ...Read more
Here is a question from an individual back in 2009. Not really answered by anyone. Maybe someone out there now can shed some light on this subject.
“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. And is there any damage being done by this?
Marie Myers I have experienced this exact thing. My surgery (AVR, root, and ascending aneurysm resection) was in ... Read more
Marie Myers I have experienced this exact thing. My surgery (AVR, root, and ascending aneurysm resection) was in March 2017. Ever since surgery, I am much more aware of my heartbeat. And when I take a deep breath, my heart beat is much more forceful and strong. I asked my cardiologist about it, and he had the same explanation about leaving the pericardium open during the surgery.
I realize that different surgeons have different routines, and I believe the docs who leave the pericardium open are doing so as to prevent an accumulation of fluid (tamponade) which could be dangerous. When a patient experiences a cardiac tamponade, it may mean an emergency surgery to drain the fluid thru a pericardial window.
Hope that makes sense to you. My new, stronger heartbeat is just a part of my new "normal".
Shannon Gray I have felt the same way! And I was close to cardiac tamponade after my initial surgery... and I did ... Read more
Shannon Gray I have felt the same way! And I was close to cardiac tamponade after my initial surgery... and I did have another surgery to create a periciardial window. This explanation makes so much sense. Thank you!
Rita Savelis Yes, many people feel this. It is weird... and also amazing that one gets used to it. Some OHS patien ... Read more
Rita Savelis Yes, many people feel this. It is weird... and also amazing that one gets used to it. Some OHS patients notice this more than others. For me it is not a constant thing but it comes and goes. I am not top bothered by it these days (3 yrs later).... but it can be wild at the beginning. Best regards Greg.
I realize that different surgeons have different routines, and I believe the docs who leave the pericardium open are doing so as to prevent an accumulation of fluid (tamponade) which could be dangerous. When a patient experiences a cardiac tamponade, it may mean an emergency surgery to drain the fluid thru a pericardial window.
Hope that makes sense to you. My new, stronger heartbeat is just a part of my new "normal".