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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: July 20, 2024

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Chris Charbs posted an update

4 months ago (January 4, 2026)

I'm wondering if there is anyone that tracked HRV (Heart Rate Variability) pre and post surgery. I'm 18 months post op and everything has been going great. I was a quite active before my surgery and am now just getting back into a more steady exercise routine. Before surgery my... Read more.

John Cook

Before my Ross, my HVR, as measured by my Apple Watch averaged around 51. It was very low for the first 4 weeks post-surgery, about 20. Since then, Iâ€™m averaging 34. I had my 7 month anniversary yesterday. my increased beta blocker dosage could have something to do with the... Read more.

Chris Charbs

Yah that is interesting, everything I have read said that beta blockers should enhance HRV, I wonder just because of the stress put on the heart because of the surgery if it just never gets back to normal. Main thing is I feel good but it would be nice to... Read more.

Scott Mills

My HRV was in the mid 50s before surgery (end of May 2025), and then dropped like a stone after surgery. I was sitting around 20, and Iâ€™m now just getting into around 30. Iâ€™m pretty steady with my exercise now, but Iâ€™m still on a beta blocker, which I... Read more.

Robert Miller

I am sparing you with my story. I would offer contacting me with a PM (Personal Message) but this forum doesn't allow PMs. In any case, if your heart rate drops to 20-30 bpm you should see your cardiologist sooner than later. Also, if this is sporadic, use a device... Read more.

John Cook

Heart Rate Variability is different than Heart Rate. HRV is the measurement in variability of the duration between heart beats. Itâ€™s measured in milliseconds. There arenâ€™t diagnostic ranges for HRV but higher is generally considered better. HRV can be increased with exercise, stress management, better sleep, and healthy eating habits.

Robert Miller

@John Cook, good point. I thought @Chris Charbs was referring to HR. 20-30bpm sounded VERY low, even for people doing a lot of sports. My watch complains if I fall below 50bpm. I have no idea about HRV. I just know there are relations between p, t, q, s waves.

Lisa Hoyt

My HRV is usually 24-32 which seems really low. (I am 65) I will be really curious to see if these numbers change

Lisa Hoyt

HR resting is 44-48

Chris Charbs posted an update

7 months ago (September 30, 2025)

Good Morning, I have a question. I recently had an echo on my heart 15 months post op for aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta graft. The echo showed mild paravalvular regurgitation on the new mechanical valve and hypokenisia of the apical septal. My family doctor really doesn't know much... Read more.

John Cook

I have no experience. However, paravalvalur regurgitation sounds rare, could become serious, and requires surgery to repair. Is there a way to get back in contact with your surgical team to send them the ECHO for evaluation or get bumped up the waiting list? My surgeon is at a separate... Read more.

Paravalvular Regurgitation: Clinical Outcomes in Surgical and Percutaneous Treatments - PMC

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:443/articles/PMC4976957/

Paravalvular regurgitation (paravalvular leak) is a serious and rare complication associated with valve replacement surgery. Studies have shown a 3% to 6% incidence of paravalvular regurgitation with hemodynamic repercussion. Few studies have ...

Fidel Martãnez Ruiz

Hey Chris: IÂ´ve not any experience with it, but youÂ´re talking about septal hypokebisia, may be you mean septal hypokinesia and this could explain the mild regurgitation and weakness of the heart muscle. Despite being a mild regurgitation itÂ´s worth you try to shorten the cardiologist appointment. I hope you... Read more.

Rose Madura

Do you have MyChart capabilities? I have the ability to send a message to the doctor and they can respond. Also, once a few months after my surgery, I needed to see the cardiologist so the receptionist at his office double booked an appointment to squeeze me in. I'm not... Read more.

Robert Miller

I can't speak for your surgery but 12 months to see a cardiologist... That seems wrong. Some regurgitation is not abnormal but without seeing the echo, it's hard to tell. And your family doctor isn't the right person to look at your echo. First thing is I would get back... Read more.

Sue Maize

Hi Chris, Wow, that is a long time to wait for a new cardiologist, even by Canadian standards. :( I would see if anything comes up under resources on this site, or ask Adam directly because heâ€™s so well connectedâ€”maybe itâ€™s a question that could be addressed in tmrwâ€™s webinar?... Read more.

Chris Charbs posted an update

1 year ago (October 22, 2024)

I just graduated from my Cardia Rehab Program this week. I'm now 4.5 months post surgery (aortic Valve replacement with a mechanical valve, as well as ascending aorta graft to fix a congenital bicuspid aortic valve). I feel back to my old self like it was all just a bad... Read more.

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