2leafer
Member
I have a bicuspid aortic valve that has finally progressed to the severe/critical state after 20 years of knowing about it. I decided to travel from Central Oregon to the Cleveland Clinic and have Dr. Gillinov perform the surgery scheduled for Feb. 22, 2010. He is very busy or I'd have it done sooner (I'm traveling alone and will ask for advice in another forum). For the last year I have had swelling/fluid retention around my eyes, bridge of my nose, and sinus areas. I thought it was from my blood pressure medication, lisinopril, but now I believe it is a symptom of my valve progression. I've tried many different classes of blood pressure meds and they all make the swelling worse. I've stayed off all the meds and after 4 to 7 days it gets much much better, but really never goes away. It is always the worst when I wake up in the morning and gets better as the day goes on. I'd quit the BP meds but don't want to add to the stress that my valve is already experiencing. All my research shows that swelling/fluid retention is a common symptom of AI and AS, but always in the ankles and feet. I am hoping it is caused by the progression of my aortic stenosis and will go away with my new tissue valve. My condition has stumped everyone, including the cardiologists, dermotologists, allergists, etc. Has anyone ever had or heard of periorbital edema being a symptom of a valvular disorder or from BP meds?