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Post Mitral Valve Replacement
My grandmother (age 74) underwent Mitral Valve replacement about 5 months ago. She seemed to be on her way to normal recovery immediately after the surgery. However, pretty soon after, she displayed signs of fatigue, shortness of breath, and her legs/ankles being persistently swollen. Does anyone know what this might imply? Is this a common symptom in patients post mitral valve replacement? What should we do next?
The symptoms described are classic for the failure of the heart to adequately supply sufficient blood into circulation. Swollen peripherals may indicate there is a problem with the right-side of the heart. Blood is backing up into lower extemities and fluids are leaking into the tissues. Contact your grandmother's doctor for a followup diagnosis.
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