A Fib 11 years after Tricuspid valve replacement.

[lee1lpool]

Hi all,

I`m Lee 41 from England. First time on this site. I`m grateful to see there are so many people similar to myself regarding valve replacement.

In short-I was diagnosed with endocarditis in 1991,left with tricuspid regurgetation & enlarged right atrium.. In Jan 2001 (aged 31) I had a successful Tricuspid valve replacement with a tissue valve.

For 10 years I was great,fit with no cardiac problems and totally free from meds. Started to feel symptoms early 2011 & was diagnosed with A fib in April. I was put on warfarin & bisoprolol beta-blocker. I had cathetor ablation in September & was successful, but the A-fib returned mid-October. I`m struggling with the symptoms, I was recently admitted to hospital with a 200bpm heart rate. The bisoprolol is controlling my heart rate very well and it frequently shoots up to 180bpm,then back to 80bpm.

Can anybody give any tips on A fib, things people have tried etc. I have my 2nd ablation next year.

Thanks,
Lee

 

[lee1lpool]

That was meant to state the bisoprolol is not controlling my heart rate very well...Lee

 

[Bina]

Hello and welcome !
Most of the basic beta blockers will control minor increases in heart rate and minor PVCs and PACs; but what you are
describing is a much higher heart rate and you may need a stronger med. I'm not your doctor though.

While in hospital my HR woke me up during the night and it was 170 bpm...a quick EKG and a diagnosis of SVT.
The night doctor gave me Sotalol which worked well and when I was sent home I was prescribed
Metoprolol which is the almost the same as Bisoprolol.
Maybe there is another med that your doctor can try. Good luck with this; keep us posted.

 

[kfay]

I can't give you any advise about a-fib, but was curious if they feel like your tissue valve might be showing signs of failing and that is what is causing these new symptoms all of a sudden? I also have a tissue valve in the tricuspid position.

Kim

 

[lee1lpool]

Hi Kim & Bina,

Thank you for the advice. I had a computer scan in Feb 2011 which revealed the tricuspid tissue valve had mild regurgetation. My cardiologist did not seem that concerned about it. After my catheter ablation I felt great with no symptoms, then the symptoms returned once the A fib came back. I may get another opinion on the valve,maybe it`s contributing to the symptoms. I`m also going to ask about alternative medication.

Cheers for you posts,
Lee