John's Profile

In April 2024, I decided to give up trying to get my blood pressure down on my own and went to my doctor to get treatment. At that time, they did an EKG and based on it, the doctor suspected I might have a heart valve issue and referred me to a cardiologist. 13 months later, I’m looking at a Ross Procedure because of aortic regurgitation. I’m scheduled for surgery at the end of May 2025. Over the last year, my aorta has expanded slightly and the regurgitation has gotten worse. But I’m still otherwise asymptomatic. I suppose the thing giving me the most anxiety right now is the need to keep my post-surgery systolic BP below 110. On my current medications, I’m in the 112 - 138 range and that’s after I give myself 5 to 10 minutes to sit before taking it. I’m guessing my system will be running different with the new valve arrangement and they will switch up my medication. I just worry I won’t be able to keep it as low as they want.