Is This Possible Mitral Valve Replacement Will It Ever Completely Resolve?
Question: Hi!
I had a mitral valve replacement in 2019. I have had a pacemaker since the age of 15 and I am 52 now due to 3rd degree heart block. I had congestive heart failure post pregnancy 19 years ago with a few episodes throughout the years but has resolved since the valve replacement. Since the replacement surgery I have noticed a thumping sensation which is very visible. Mostly bothersome when lying in a particular position and when standing. I have brought this to cardio thoracic surgeon and cardiologist and they didn’t seem concerned. The sensation had decreased significantly to where it would only happen once a month or longer. Then when I contracted COVID the sensation came back with a lot more frequency than initially. I had voiced my concern to an ER physician for a separate issue and he performed an Aorta scan and it was normal. I am worried about inflammation around the heart possibly pressing on a nerve. Is this possible and will it ever completely resolve? Should I be more concerned?
I had a mitral valve replacement in 2019. I have had a pacemaker since the age of 15 and I am 52 now due to 3rd degree heart block. I had congestive heart failure post pregnancy 19 years ago with a few episodes throughout the years but has resolved since the valve replacement. Since the replacement surgery I have noticed a thumping sensation which is very visible. Mostly bothersome when lying in a particular position and when standing. I have brought this to cardio thoracic surgeon and cardiologist and they didn’t seem concerned. The sensation had decreased significantly to where it would only happen once a month or longer. Then when I contracted COVID the sensation came back with a lot more frequency than initially. I had voiced my concern to an ER physician for a separate issue and he performed an Aorta scan and it was normal. I am worried about inflammation around the heart possibly pressing on a nerve. Is this possible and will it ever completely resolve? Should I be more concerned?
Brief Answer:
It doesn not seem serious.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank You for the query.
First of all please note that the nervers which do regulate heart function are mostly located inaide the heart wall and are a type of heart muscle. That is why after valve suregry, such sensations appeared as most likely some part of this heart conduction system became activated.
As You have pacemaker, You are protected from heart arrythmia or heart block.
As there is no other symptoms like dizziness or lost of consciousness, Your issues does not seem to be dangerous.
Heart inflammations is always a thing, that is why it would be resonable to have heart ultrasound done. If it is fine, no further action is necessary.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
It doesn not seem serious.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank You for the query.
First of all please note that the nervers which do regulate heart function are mostly located inaide the heart wall and are a type of heart muscle. That is why after valve suregry, such sensations appeared as most likely some part of this heart conduction system became activated.
As You have pacemaker, You are protected from heart arrythmia or heart block.
As there is no other symptoms like dizziness or lost of consciousness, Your issues does not seem to be dangerous.
Heart inflammations is always a thing, that is why it would be resonable to have heart ultrasound done. If it is fine, no further action is necessary.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng