← Return to RBC Levels and Mechanical Heart Valve

Discussion
twachter avatar

RBC Levels and Mechanical Heart Valve

Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Oct 8, 2025 | Replies (12)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator @JustinMcClanahan

Hi @twatcher, getting used to the noise of the mechanical valve is a common adjustment for many members on Connect.

@purpleturtle, @partyon and @martinkennot all shared the same experiences with a valve they could hear after surgery in the following discussion:

"Mechanical heart valve noise: Do you and others hear it?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mechanical-valve-1

@twatcher, did your surgeon say the thumping sound and feeling would go away over time or is it a 'new normal' you need to adjust to? Have you had a chance to discuss the heat intolerance change as well?

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hi @twatcher, getting used to the noise of the mechanical valve is a common adjustment for..."

Hello. From what I’ve been told, it’s my new normal. In all honesty, had I known the effect the clicking/thumping and pounding would have on my daily quality of life, I think I may have gone with a tissue valve instead of the mechanical. I am a small person, with very little “padding” for cushioning the feel and sound and I think that’s part of why it feels so prominent for me.

I see the doctor in a couple of weeks and will address my heat intolerance issue. Praying they can give me some answers , as that is probably the hardest to deal with.

I got my mechanical heart valve 20 years ago and I have the thumping sound. I have gotten use to it over the years and I sleep on my left side/ear which helps.

Two years post opp the noise is still an issue for myself consent clicking and feeling ever PVC with caffeine and any stress anti depression medication and medication for anxiety helps for myself. INR management can be difficult if you work full time and local clinic schedule does not allow for appointments outside