Problems with Valve?

[Becky]

My husband had mitral valve replacement in 1988.  They used a "carbon?" valve is what he calls it.  I don't know if that is different than a mechanical valve or not, but here is the question.  He has been on his coumadin regularly and has his protime checked approximately every 3 months as per his doctor's orders.  The last few months he has been seem to be going down-hill, always tired, leg and feet pain, palpations, and his heart will stop and then pick up the beat really fast.  This seems to be very much like his symptoms before his surgery.  The other day he went to the doctor for his regular protime and the doctor said that his blood was about two times thicker than normal and has suggested him to see his a cardiologist again.

Should this be something to worry about or will his coumadin just have to be readjusted.  He has never had any problems with his blood and his protimes have always been good until this last one.  Are the symptoms a sign that the valve is possibly going bad? What is the average length of time that this valve should contiue to work?

Becky Sparks

[Hank Eyring]

Becky,

We have a great support group going for valve replacement surgery patients.  We have a lot to offer in the way of person to person help for your trying situation.

Go to our website (www.valvereplacement.com) and make an entry in the guestbook and I will help you become a member.

You can learn from us and we can learn from you.

Thanks and hope to see you soon.

Hank Eyring
***@****

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

A mechanical valve usually lasts decades. If the coumadin level is not just right, the valve can clot off, though this usually produces dramatic (often fatal) symptoms, not just a slow deterioration. However, it is possible that he has some other problem, such as a heart arrhythmia. In any case, an evaluation by his cardiologist makes sense, though he may need more than just an adjustment of his coumadin dose.