Dear Doctors
In June of last year I had an AVR followed by a follow-up surgery in December (aortic root repair) after an anuerysm was detected near the new mechanical valve. Since the 2nd surgery, I have been experiencing ongoing palpitations that involve strong and pounding heartbeats that pulsate in my chest (especially at night) and head. My cardiologist did a holter monitor test in February that showed no abnormality, and a recent echo showed no abnormalities. I am currently taking coumadin and toprol for HBP, which strangely became detected after the 1st surgery. I do not feel it is a functional problem (i.e. anxiety)and am wondering if it may be related to the dacron graft/root replacement. Has there been any research to show that the heartbeats following an aortic root repair and dacron graft are more pronounced and intense? I have heard that the dacron graft may actually echo the heartbeat, making it louder, more intense, with the feeling like the heart is pounding.