WIll Montgomery - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

9 days ago

Have many 2nd AVR patients experienced damage to their Coronary arteries due to excess calcium build up during the surgery? I did and had to have a hastily ...Read more

Have many 2nd AVR patients experienced damage to their Coronary arteries due to excess calcium build up during the surgery? I did and had to have a hastily managed bypass for my right artery that failed shortly after. I am left with little blood flow on the right side of my heart, feeling weaker and fatigued than before the surgery.

I try to exercise every day (avg 60-90 min/day) and have built up some collateral arteries. But still struggle with low coronary blood flow. Is this common, or am I just that unlucky 1 in 1000 🥹?

Any insights the community can provide would be really appreciated!

Take care everyone!

Bill.

Marie Myers Heart surgery doesn't cause calcium to build up in the arteries. Calcium buildup is caused by atheros ... Read more

Marie Myers Heart surgery doesn't cause calcium to build up in the arteries. Calcium buildup is caused by atherosclerosis, and this process is caused by high lipids/cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and aging. I am guessing you have already had some heart muscle damage done, since you are feeling weaker and fatigued since the surgery. Has your doctor mentioned heart failure?

WIll Montgomery Thanks for your response Marie! No. My coronary arteries were in good condition before the surgery by ... Read more

WIll Montgomery Thanks for your response Marie! No. My coronary arteries were in good condition before the surgery by blood levels were good. Low LDH etc. non smoker healthy, active. In fact, my first natural aortic valve replacement lasted almost 20 years. Five years longer than it should have… The inference from my surgeon was that the calcification was all over the old valve that had to be replaced and in trying to excise the old valve, he damaged the right coronary artery. I have read that calcification on valves (including porcine replacement valves) is not uncommon.

Marie Myers Oh yes, unfortunately calcification does happen in valves. It is great that you got 20 years out of y ... Read more

Marie Myers Oh yes, unfortunately calcification does happen in valves. It is great that you got 20 years out of your tissue valve! Hope you get some answers to improve your stamina!