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How To Get Rid Of Breathing Problem After Open Heart Surgery?
Hi I had open heart surgery 3 Sept this year to replace aortic valve and aortic root. Then had complications of fluid buildup in sac around heart and complete re wiring of the sternum due to incorrect placement in initial operation. So I have been through the worst experience to date. What I would like to know is why, when I try to take a deep breath I can only take half capacity of what I used to but when I do this my heart can be felt pounding (not fast- normal rhythm) but very strongly like it is pressing up against something.......?????
Tue, 2 Sep 2014
Hi welcome to HCM.
You seem to have post operative fluid retention around heart known as Pericardial Effusion.This is quite a common complication following aortic root and valve replacement surgeries.This effusion can impair breathing capacity of lungs by reducing the venous return to heart.Occasionally it can lead to rhythm disturbances of heart leading to sensation of pounding.I recommend you to have a 2 dimensional echocardiogram of the heart to quantify the exact volume of accumulated fluid.Pericardiocenthesis under ultrasonic guidance(needle aspiration) of the fluid can help to reduce the effusion.Consult your doctor for further queries.
Thank you
You seem to have post operative fluid retention around heart known as Pericardial Effusion.This is quite a common complication following aortic root and valve replacement surgeries.This effusion can impair breathing capacity of lungs by reducing the venous return to heart.Occasionally it can lead to rhythm disturbances of heart leading to sensation of pounding.I recommend you to have a 2 dimensional echocardiogram of the heart to quantify the exact volume of accumulated fluid.Pericardiocenthesis under ultrasonic guidance(needle aspiration) of the fluid can help to reduce the effusion.Consult your doctor for further queries.
Thank you
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