Valves and Arrhythmia

[Marguerite53]

Regardless of whether the list is complete, this thread is making for an interesting discussion.... . thanks Karlynn.

I'm BAV, AVR and 5 months out. Tons of PVC's pre-surgery. Atenolol kept them tolerable but did not erase them. Post surgery, severe palpitations at about 1 month out. By the time they figured out what they were with an event monitor (not a-fib, but atrial something benign.....sorry can't call it up just now) they were gone. None since. Been looking for them closely during rehab and happy to report there are none with exertion either! Still on 50mg Atenolol and hoping to lower the dose someday so my dreams become less intense (assuming a lesser dosage would change that ).

Marguerite

 

[Karlynn]

By the time they figured out what they were with an event monitor (not a-fib, but atrial something benign.....sorry can't call it up just now) they were gone.

Maybe PACs, Pre Atrial Contraction?

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Oops, I knew I'd forget a selection.

I'm not surprised that the beta blocker stopped your PACs. It was one of the things they tried on me prior to surgery, to control my arrhythmia. It didn't work for me. But I'm guessing it does for some, or they wouldn't have tried it. I hope it stopped your migraines too!
__________________
Karlynn

Thanks for putting this survey together Karlynn!
Inderal (beta blocker) cut the PAC's (premature atrial contractions) We went though many many beta blockes to no avail for the PAC's. Using the Inderal for the migraines happened to cut the PAC's 99%! Lucky me. I still do have migraines. Not as frequently. I do beleive they are mostly hormonally driven If only I can find a magic pill for the hormones! Something natural would be great. Not so sure how that would mix with Coumadin? I am looking @ Zalesta OTC. Comments?

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Karlynn
Mitral problems, but I'm still pre-op.

I have been in A-fib for at least 4 years before the operation, so they will do a Maze as well. The prediction is about 80% chance of the a-fib stopping within a year after the procedure.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi karlynn,
great thread, fascinating to see and read what all have to say.
joey had arrhythmias on and off pre-surgery and was taking betapace (sotalol) as a preventive measure. it proved very effective.
four days post-surgery, he went into afib and a bolus of the betapace did not work (which is why they opted for amiodarone). he is still on a small dose of amio. but when he tries to wean off, he gets arrhythmias (more than before).

my dad had avr 7 yrs ago and was in chronic afib before the surgery (and opted for a mechanical, since he was already on coumadin). he was still in afib after his avr.
he is going in for mitral and tricuspid repair this thursday and dr. colvin wants to perform a maze procedure on him as well. i almost see this as pointless, since his afib is not disturbing to him and he has to be on coumadin for his av anyway.

i guess this is a small price to pay for new valves. my dad calls it a nuisance. guess that's a good description.
be well,
sylvia

 

[cam4est]

Now for those with PVR. I had some arryth. prior to surgery but boy , have they increased since then. It has been a year and I am now on a beta blocker for SVTS, some VT and a million PVCs. Today I forgot to take my am dose before going to the gym after being on this BB for only 2 weeks. My HR shot up to the 160s (normal now is 66) so I guess that means i need to take it no matter what. I hate taking meds but I guess this was proof that it truly is necessary. Karen