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What Causes Lightheadedness, Heavy Limbs And Breathlessness After Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Had valve replacement and repair almost 5 weeks ago. Yesterday started feeling lightheaded,heavy limbs, short of breath. Just got off midodrine yesterday, half dose for a week. Bp was oknthis am.now diastolic is 57, pulse 46 after being 88 for few weeks. Had low bp in hospital after surgery. Also amiodorone and lasix. Nurse practice said to monitor bp over weekend, she knew am reading but not low even though she suspects fluctuation. I feel really poorly.
posted on
Tue, 14 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 8 Apr 2023
Answered on
Wed, 26 Apr 2023
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Lightheadedness, heavy limbs, and breathlessness after heart valve replacement surgery can be caused by several factors. These symptoms may be related to the medication you are taking such as amiodarone and lasix. Both these medications have side effects that can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue. Additionally, the sudden cessation of midodrine could also contribute to these symptoms.
Another potential cause is anemia or low red blood cell count, which can result from the surgery itself or the medications you are taking. Anemia can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is important to monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate and seek medical attention if they continue to fluctuate or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Another possible cause of these symptoms could be related to your heart function or rhythm. It is important to follow up with your cardiologist and report any new or worsening symptoms. They may recommend further testing such as an echocardiogram or cardiac stress test.
In summary, lightheadedness, heavy limbs, and breathlessness after heart valve replacement surgery can have multiple causes, and it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Lightheadedness, heavy limbs, and breathlessness after heart valve replacement surgery can be caused by several factors. These symptoms may be related to the medication you are taking such as amiodarone and lasix. Both these medications have side effects that can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue. Additionally, the sudden cessation of midodrine could also contribute to these symptoms.
Another potential cause is anemia or low red blood cell count, which can result from the surgery itself or the medications you are taking. Anemia can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is important to monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate and seek medical attention if they continue to fluctuate or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Another possible cause of these symptoms could be related to your heart function or rhythm. It is important to follow up with your cardiologist and report any new or worsening symptoms. They may recommend further testing such as an echocardiogram or cardiac stress test.
In summary, lightheadedness, heavy limbs, and breathlessness after heart valve replacement surgery can have multiple causes, and it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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