Patient Recovery Update: Kerrigan Stops Beta Blockers, Gains Energy and Improves Blood Pressure

Wow, Thanks for the info as I too have been tired a year after my aortic valve replacement. I will certainly call my Dr. Thanks again. Marlane

Hi Adam. I had my ascending aorta replaced on June 28th and was put on Metoprolol Beta Blocker 50mg per day on discharge from the hospital. As I recovered from the surgery I began to notice the side effects of the beta blocker. My cardiologist first said I would be on them for a year then decided six months when I protested.
At my six week consult with the surgeon he advised that I could lower my dose to 12.5 mg per day.
The side effects of feeling cold and nightmares as well as palpitations continued.
I normally have lower than normal blood pressure and as my Holter results were good I discontinued the Metroprolol after much research online about weaning off the drug.
Within a week of ceasing the drug the side effects disappeared and after some short term increase in heart rate from 68 to 90’s my heart settled down and my rate is now between 65 and 75 bpm. My blood pressure has returned to my pre op rate of 107 over 75.
It seems that although there are many studies on the use of long term beta blocker use in low risk cardiac surgery patients, Cardiologists seem to follow the ultra safe root of long term use of beta blockers.
I am 12 weeks post surgery and my heart seems to very content without the beta blockers.
My cardiologist has concurred that I no longer need the meds. I think it’s very important to get a good explanation why you are being prescribed a particular medication.
Adam thanks for the site. A lot of questions on this issue were answered by reading patient comments on your site.

One factor to consider is the reason for a person’s aortic valve problem that required surgery. If it was the result of an aortic aneurysm caused by a connective tissue disorder (e.g., Marfan’s), a doctor with many years of experience in that area said at last year’s National Marfan Foundation convention that he keeps his patients on a beta blocker even after aortic valve replacement surgery. His rationale is once you’ve had the aortic aneurysm, you’re a proven dilator, and the beta blocker helps reduce stress on the aorta. I too do not like the feeling of being tired, but I’m willing to put up with it if taking a beta blocker will reduce the chances of aneurysms further down the aorta or dissection. People absolutely should consult with their doctors, do their own homework, and evaluate the pluses and minuses for them.

Dear Adam, After reading Mr. Gray’s letter, it brought back memories of my own surgery. On November 21, 1974, I had my aortic valve replaced by Dr.John Kirkland, in Univ.of Ala. Hospital,in Birmingham, AL. I had aortic requrgation, caused by childhood rheumatic fever. I was 36 years old, and in reasonably good health. One problem I had, was very low systolic blood pressure, about 80/20. After Surgery, while I was still in the operating Room, I began to wake up. They were still working on me, as I was begining to wake up. I was trying to wiggle my toes, or move something, to let them know that I was waking up. I heard the nurse call out that my blood pressure was 120 over 80. I knew then that they had the new valve in. About that time they realized that I was waking up, and they gave me a little more morphine, until they could finish. It has been a long time ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

Glad you brought this to our attention. Since my aortic valve replacement last Dec., still using Metoprolol tartrate 25mg due to heart arthemia problems. 7 days after surgery had to have my heart shocked (the two paddle thing). No one told me of this possible complication after surgery. Metoprolol prescribed to 3 pills @ 25mg ea. per day. Reduced dosage after speaking to my doctor about 4 months after surgery down to 2 pills then to half a pill twice daily due to nausia problems. During my last appt. with doctor feels it’s best to continue taking Metroprolol. It’s discouraging being tired all the time. As long as my heartbeat continues to stablize, I’ll see if can be discontinued. Thanks again for the “heads-up”.

I had mitral valve replacement surgery in April 2009 and was prescribed 12.5 mg Metoprolol, 3 times per day, (37.5 mg total per day) as part of my medicine regimen. My blood pressure consistently runs 120/75 and I’ve never had so much energy. I really do feel better than I did prior to my surgery. However, I do admit to questioning my cardiologist as to the possibility of someday being “weaned” off some of my prescriptions. This is a good piece of information to keep for reference but I personally would never change my medication without my cardiologist’s knowledge, especially since I’m a pilot.

Great comments everybody.

Don – I especially appreciate your thought, “This is a good piece of information to keep for reference but I personally would never change my medication without my cardiologist’s knowledge.”

Adam

My cardiologist here in CA (I had surgery in NY) took me off what the NY doctors had me on & put me on a “new” (in the past 2 yrs here in the U.S.)medication called Bystolic. It has been in use in Europe for some time now. It does not cross the blood brain barrier as do the beta blockers & has WAY fewer side effects. I take a pediatric dose of 2.5mg/day (cut in 1/2 .. 1/2 in AM & 1/2 in PM.) I was on the verge of passing out (the white sparkles) everytime I got up on the Lopressor! I could not get anything done! I was in the hospital 8 days & only walked the hall twice as it was so bad. They cut the dose in 1/2 … but when I got home & tried to walk across my patio … it was going, going … gone :{ I was so glad to be switched to the Bystolic!! My dad is a pharmacist & he didn’t know about this medication until I told him! Nor did my local family doctor. So, ask, ask, ask!!

Hello. My names is Kimberly. I experienced 3 surgeries in 17 months.
Heart valve replacement (Feb 09), pace maker ( Feb 09) & pace maker revision ( Jun 2010).

Also, diagnosed with adult asthma ( after the second surgery).

I continue to experience breathing problems, exhaustion, chest pains from the pace maker, etc.. on a daily basis.

Please provide any feedback if you experience similar symptoms?

I remain ENCOURAGED & that God for another day.

I had aortic valve replacement a couple of weeks ago, and feel mildly betrayed by the results: I was told I wouldn’t need coumadin, but I do for several weeks; I am on Amiodarone, which can cause pulmonary fibrosis; finally, I am on Metoprolol for a rapid heart rate and high BP (neither of which I had pre-surgery). The drugs are scary in terms of their side-effects, especially the Metoprolol, since I was told BP meds cannot be stopped once started. When I asked her whether I could ever wean myself from my Metoprolol, my phamacist said, somewhat condescendingly, “No. It is lifelong medication. If you can, you’d be the first one I’ve seen.” I would like to know whether anyone (including Kerrigan) who has successfully stopped taking them gradually stopped, and what other steps they took (nutrition, exercise) to ensure success. Anyone?

Let me be very clear I consulted seriously with the cardio people and my primary physician BEFORE I weaned off the Metoprolol and then the duretic. I let my self get pretty down about it all before deciding to take some positivie action and dig to the bottom of it all.
I did have the ascending aortia replaced along with the aortic valve and it’s holding up very well along with the valve.
I now workout very hard twice a week and it is so nice to have the pulse rate up to where it’s doing some real good.
I too have asthma which I keep under preventive control with an inhaler, but it wasnt’ an element under consideration.
There is a growing collection of options and experiences with Metoprolol which indicates it can have very different effects for different folks, some very severe.
Like my primary care physician said a couple of days ago, “it’s really good you are taking charge of your care and recovery!”
As to life without Metoprolol for me, I think the changes in diet and total committment to the ongoing physical exercise program continues to play a large role in getting the BP down to a livable level. That was following Adam’s advice about the importance of the post-op rehab program and getting into it.

And to be able to lead a fairly “normal” life now. What a HUGE difference and relief.

Speaking only for my experience as 62 yr old woman- I had nice low pressure and normal heart rate before porcine mitral vlave replacement Dec 09. Soon after the surgery, I had atrial fibrilation with a rapid heat beat, so I had to be on metropolol and coumadin. I had a succesful cardioversion late Feb, which returned my heart rate to normal, and stopped the afib. I had to stay on the meds for about 6 weeks after just to be sure. The cardio then took me off both. I am not on either medication now – feel great.

Bob:

In response to your question, let me tell your pharmacist does not know what he is talking about. People do wean off Toprol. It is difficult for some, as numerous internet postings attest; but, it is possible.

I just finished weaning off Toprol. I was on it (without any side effects) for about seven weeks after pulmonary valve replacement surgery. Then, my cardiologist told me to cut the dose in half for five days, followed by a complete stop.

The first three or four days were not easy; I was tempted to take just one more Toprol. My heart was racing, and I felt like I was going to go out of my mind, especially on day two. But, I kept reminding myself that it was normal and not dangerous.

I am certainly not suggesting that your experience will be like mine–it might better or worse. But, I can confirm that weaning off Toprol does happen all the time.

Thank you Kerrigan and Meigs for sharing your experience and information. I also had the Maze procedure done to correct the atrial fibrillation, but was told that that may not be effective until the heart heals in a few months – during which period I will take steps to cut out all fat, exercise to the extent I can (although the Metoprolol slows the heart rate, which may be why Kerrigan was so exhausted – the heart could not beat fast enough to supply the muscles with oxygen), etc. At that point, if the atrial fib is still an issue, I may opt for cardioversion, followed by dropping the Metoprolol (with my cardiologist on board to mentor the effects). That stuff gives me the heebie jeebies – from exercise intolerance to dependency to hair loss. I need all the hair I got.

MY HUSBAND, JOHN, IS A YOUNG, FIT 70YR OLD MAN. HE IS SCHEDULED FOR AORTIC VALVE SURGERY AT CLEVELAND CLINIC IN OCTOBER. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY. I CAN’T SEEM TO GET ANY INFORMATION. THE ONLY PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE HAD THIS NEVER REALLY RECOVERED. IS THERE ANYONE WHO FULY RECOVERED AND LIVED A NORMAL LIFE AFTER THIS? HIS CORONARY ARTERIES ARE CLEAR AS ARE HIS CAROTID ARTERIES. THE REPLACEMENT IS DUE TO A SEVERE LEAK.

hi.
to answer Judith,I do not think you can fully recover after such a major op, you tend to be positive and make the most of what you have.
secondly after reading Kerrigan’blog I talked to my doctor and have now come off the beta blocker it has been 2 weeks feel much better, more energy and also blood pressure is coming down.
So thank you once more

Fazilat

To answer Judith’s question as to whether one can fully recover and lead a normal life after aortic valve surgery, the answer is yes. I am an active 54 year old who had the Ross Procedure last December 7th. My aortic valve was damaged by rheumatic fever when I was 14. The leakage progressed over the last 10 years to the point where it needed replacement. I chose the Ross Procedure over a mechanical valve so I wouldn’t need the lifelong blood thinners. My recovery went great, probably aided by the fact I was in good shape and very active beforehand. I was walking a mile 9 days after surgery and it just progressed from there. I started running again in early January after getting the OK from my surgeon. I was given the OK to start light weights at the beginning of February. In July I was told by my cardiologist that I had no restrictions but to listen to my body and don’t be stupid and do too much. At this point I am as active as I was before the surgery. I will be running a half marathon on Oct. 17th. This will be my longest race since the surgery.

I started following this post as I am still on metoprolol (25mg) once in the morning and Benicar (5mg) in the evening. I am not feeling quite the side effects that others have noted but have noticed that if I run after taking the metoprolol that I seem to be held back a bit. As my blood pressure was always low before the leakage progressed and is now in the 125-135 over 75 to 80 range, I too would like to talk to my doctor about getting off it.

Thanks for all the other comments everyone.

Vince

I’m 38. I had surgery to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm last November, around the same time as Kathy Holt above. Like Kathy, I too am still taking a small dose of Toperol XL everyday and my cardiologist says it’s to minimize arrythmias as well as keep the stress of my aorta. I’ve always been in perfect health except for the anuerysm, and i’m running the NYC Marathon this November 7 on the one year anniversary of my open heart surgery. My surgeon Allan Stewart is running with me to commemorate the event. I feel great, but I hate taking the Toperol…i’ve never been a “pill” person, but I guess for now i have no choice. My cardiologist thinks I should stay on it for now. I too had to go back into the hospital a few days after being home and get a Tee echo to check for clots, and then get paddled to reset my heart. That experience is not uncommon, but I tell you; it was much worse than the surgery itself!
Benjamin

I am 43 and just had mitral valve repair. I thought everything was going fine till I got home and taking toporol 25 X 2 (supposedly only for 3 months). Started causing excruciating migranes each time I took it. Hosp told me to get an mri to check for stroke. When I stoped taking med, miraculously h/a went away (I know real dumb). I have to look for a less side effect beta blocker. Good Luck everyone else! Be your own advocate!

Hi,
I had mitral valve replacement surgery on Jan 19th 2011, and currently I am in my 3rd week of rehab, when I arrive at the rehab my heart rate and blood pressure is checked, my heart rate has been in the low 100’s (100-105). The therapists were concerned from the beginning and sent my cardiologist the numbers, and he changed my medication to 100 mg up from 50 mg. I had mentioned my heart rate to my surgeon and cardiologist early in my recovery, and both said it will get better with time as I recover. I am not a fan of prescription medicine, but I realize that it is temporarily necessary until I fully recover and stabilize.

Paul

I had MVR repair in Oct 2010. A month later was back in the hospital to drain a 1/2 gallon of “fluid” from pleural area (outside lung). My BP has basically returned to normal, my heart rate is still higher than I would like (75 – 85). My hr actually goes down with activity? I am off all meds (by personal choice), and don’t see why I would need meds to lower my HR to my pre-surg 50’s-60’s level. Seems like tying blocks to someones feet because they walk too fast…Overall I feel better. Still haven’t set up a cardio work out routine, b/c I am too busy w/ 3 kids + wife + work. I guess they are my work out. Has been a PIA uphill road, but it has helped me to appreciate every day (minute) and I am really happy to be alive. Keep up the faith!!!!

I am a 53 yr old woman and I had pulmonary valve replacement 7 weeks ago. Went back to work last week (office job) and all was well…a little tired when I got home, but otherwise good. On Saturday, began to have no energy at all. Have been taking toprol 12.5 mg/day since before surgery. Could the Toprol be the problem, or maybe a combination of going back to work along with the beta blocker? Would appreciate any coments or suggestions.

Help My husband had Aortic Valve surgery in 2014 December. He has exercised for 25 years eats low fat and feels great. But…..He was put on a BB after surgery and after exercising at cardiac rehab his BP was normal. He went to the DR and he wanted him to stay on 25MG total. We decided to wean to 6.25 twice a day and his BP are 180/90 after .exercising. He wants off this Med

Heck yea, Where did you hear that? I am also a Nurse. This is really easy surgery for a fit person. No worries. My husband said it was better than a cardiac cath .by a mile