What causes trouble in breathing after a valve replacement?
Patient: Hello from Margaret My Mom is 80 years old. She had a valve replacement on December 29, 2010. She has been experience chest pain that comes and goes. She says when she experiences the pain it feels like she can t breathe. She takes oxygen at home and does help the situation Do you know what can be causing this? I was with her at her last Dr. s Appt and the cardiologist said something like it is more difficult for the heart to pump blood after valve replacement? My Mom weighs about 190 and is 5 feet6 inches tall. She has lost over 100 pounds over the last two years. She does not have a good appetite. I am concerned she does not adhere to a healthy diet when she does eat. What do you think? Thank you in advance for your help. Doctor: Hello , Though healthy diet is always a priority and should be adhered too at all times . The symptoms of breathlessness , pain are not explained by diet alone . Considering its 7 years since the valve replacement, it's strongly suggested to check it's status by doing a comprehensive 2d echo cardiogram and look for valve function whether there is any reason stenosis , degeneration, any leak which could very well explain the symptoms. Losing weight rather helps , as now the heart has to supply to less body surface area of body so again this is not explained by weight loss alone . Regards Dr.  Mody