My ticking don't sound right

[duncanjo]

Just checking with the mechanical valve owners out there. It?s been 6 months now since my replacement with my mech valve. Everything going well, except for the last 3 days. I?ve heard my valve tick, tick, tick, t-i-c-k, tick, tick, t-i-c-k, tick sounds like it takes a little longer to tick than usual, its been happening 20-30 times a day. Nothin really changed in my diet, except bottle of wine on Saturday, INR fine @ 2.7. Don?t know what to think? Any feed anyone??

Joe
Mech valve replace April/08

 

[Cooker]

your body is still healing a bit .... if you feel fine I bet it is just an acoustical thing ..... it happens as we heal .... might be gas

 

[Ross]

If it sounds accoustically different to you, perhaps you should have your Cardio have a listen. It's probably nothing, but anytime there is a change in the sound, it should be looked into.

 

[TikTak]

Hi, sounds like it could have been a few PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions), which when they happen would produce a prolonged break between ticks and maybe also a more substantial closure of the valve leaflets. PVCs are in most cases benign and to my knowledge quite common among valvers.

 

[duncanjo]

Great idea Ross! My Cardio is a 4 hr drive away and theres a 2 month waiting
period to see him..LOL

If it sounds accoustically different to you, perhaps you should have your Cardio have a listen. It's probably nothing, but anytime there is a change in the sound, it should be looked into.

 

[Nancy]

You could also call your primary care physician and have him listen to it. They know about heart stuff too, just not in the same depth as the card. But I would think they could spot something very abnormal, and could even run an EKG on you while you are at their office.

 

[Duff Man]

Random factoid: Studies have proven you're much more likely to have atrial fibrillation the day(s) after drinking. I think the same is true for PVC's.

I read somewhere that up to 60% of swing shift workers experience PVC's.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I agree with Ross and Nancy, have a Doctor Listen to your Heart and get an EKG.

My Engineering Mind tells me that any time there is an audible change, there HAS to be a reason for it.

It was not clear to me if t-i-c-k meant that the 'tick' was prolonged or if it was just delayed in coming. If the latter, there is a good chance it is a PAC or PVC which are usually benign. If they become bothersome or cause weakness or shortness of breath, there are medications that can help (typically Beta Blockers).

Bottom Line: Check it Out.