Mark's Journal

Richard Munson  A fib is somewhat common after heart surgery but not sure about 18 months. Might call your doctor and discuss the merits of eliquis and an ablation just in case. Ablation is done without open heart.  Assume you did not get the maze procedure done during heart surgery. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I went through the same problem,
endocarditis and then replacement of the mitral valve with a biological one (cow).
Having some extrasystoles is relatively normal I guess. I have controlled them
by walking every day for at least an hour or an hour and  half at a brisk and constant pace. Ask doctors
if happen often. If you have any other questions, please contact me.

Yumiko Ishida  If it’s happening all the time then you probably should see a doctor. I still have irregular beats now and then, 13 months after surgery, but it’s not all the time. It is usually linked to some form of stress - anxiety, lack of sleep, dehydration, too much alcohol, etc. It could also be caused by an electrolyte imbalance, too.

Mark Pugh  Thank you all for your comments.  It's the fact that they went away for so long, then returned that worries me.  I've spoken often to the cardiac rehab team who assured me then that they were nothing to be concerned about.  However it's the recent increase in frequency that's upsetting.  They came for a wee, then went away again.  Now a week later they've returned.  I'm currently on the last day of my first family holiday away to get some sun since it all happened 18 months ago.  I'll see if they diminish on my return home.  Saw my GP a couple of weeks ago who recommended restarting beta blockers, but they aren't having much effect other than to slow my bpm.  Don't notice them when I'm exercising - mainly when trying to sleep or sitting still.  I strictly limit my alcohol due to warfarin in any case, which is killing me on an all-inclusive holiday!