S
South Sound Sailor
I have posted info on my situation in other threads but basically, I have aortic valve stenosis with an aortic valve opening of .82 cm. Most other info from my echo reads normal. I have been experiencing the classic symptoms of fatigue and marked decrease in ability to exercise.
My blood pressure continues to concern me. 2 months ago my doctor put me on prazosin, an alpha-blocker that dilates blood vessels. Prazosin also addresses benign prostate problems (just in case anyone is wondering why the doc didn't put me on another BP medicine). I'm up to 4 mgs a day, a dose that's just slightly below what might be considered average. My BP is averaging 136/87... I know that's hardly anything to get too nervous about but I do see spikes in the range of 140 to 150/90 to 100 and that's with me taking the meds.
My question... is high blood pressure a problem that's commonly seen with aortic valve stenosis and narrowing aortic opening? What about after surgery? Do others with high blood pressure prior to AVR surgery experience any changes with BP after surgery (good or bad)?
I do think one problem I'm having is now that I am not getting a good dose of daily aerobic exercise, I'm going to continue to see an increase in my BP. Like everyone on VR.com, my hope is to minimize the number of meds I need to take so I'm really looking forward to post-surgery and the ability to return to daily exercising.
Thanks for any info or insight anyone can provide!
SSS
My blood pressure continues to concern me. 2 months ago my doctor put me on prazosin, an alpha-blocker that dilates blood vessels. Prazosin also addresses benign prostate problems (just in case anyone is wondering why the doc didn't put me on another BP medicine). I'm up to 4 mgs a day, a dose that's just slightly below what might be considered average. My BP is averaging 136/87... I know that's hardly anything to get too nervous about but I do see spikes in the range of 140 to 150/90 to 100 and that's with me taking the meds.
My question... is high blood pressure a problem that's commonly seen with aortic valve stenosis and narrowing aortic opening? What about after surgery? Do others with high blood pressure prior to AVR surgery experience any changes with BP after surgery (good or bad)?
I do think one problem I'm having is now that I am not getting a good dose of daily aerobic exercise, I'm going to continue to see an increase in my BP. Like everyone on VR.com, my hope is to minimize the number of meds I need to take so I'm really looking forward to post-surgery and the ability to return to daily exercising.
Thanks for any info or insight anyone can provide!
SSS