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.
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 its status by doing a comprehensive 2d echocardiogram 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 