Heart Rate After Surgery

Hi @grandmar,

A number of factors could cause an increase in heart rate. For example, pain can cause your blood pressure to go up, which could then lead to a fast heartbeat; during surgery, anesthesia can also affect the cardiovascular system.

I'd like to tag Mentor @predictable as he may have some thoughts to share, and you may also wish to view this conversation, "What to expect with spine surgery?" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect/ in the Bones, Joints & Muscles group on Connect.

@grandmar, is there a possibility that the required dose of the beta-blocker may have changed?

Good Morning Kanaaz
Yes, I am aware that many issues can cause a fast heart rate. I feel that is why it is so wonderful that this hospital takes such a good history of my current AND past meds and WHY I was taking them (since some meds can be used for multiple reasons) and WHY I stopped. I also make sure I reiterate to the anesthesiologist my history with being tachy when I go under.

Since my weight loss, I have not been able to take aspirin to protect my heart so I continue to take Crestor at the same dosage as before. When I am not having surgery, my heart rate is still a little high, but not as high as when I have surgery or when I am in chronic pain.

I've had 2 in depth cardio check-ups including 2 nuclear stress tests and all is fine. Neither doctor could find anything wrong. They both suggested I tell all docs and any anesthesiologist I go to about this situation.

@predictable , do you have any thoughts?

Hello @grandmar

I have had the same problem with heart rate and surgery. If you always have surgery at the same hospital and you talk with your anesthesiologist prior to surgery they can be prepared for the problem. I bring with me a copy of the anesthesiologist report from the first surgery (it was an out-of-town hospital) where the rapid heart beat occurred. It shows at what point the tachycardia (heart rate was 130) occurred and the meds that they used to bring it down (combination of a short-acting and long-acting beta blocker). I give a copy of that report to the new anesthesiologist.

I then ask the anesthesiologist to please keep an eye-out for the heart rate problem. I'm not sure why this occurs, perhaps for some of us it is just a reaction to the anesthesia/and or stress of surgery (?) I don't give it much thought, I do take a small amount of a beta blocker every day to keep everything calm.

Teresa

Hi @grandmar. Your approach to managing your medical treatments is an inspiration, and I'd guess that your medical team appreciates your devotion to rational study and discussion of your symptoms and how they change. I haven't had faster heart rate in anticipation of a surgical procedure, but I know it's not a rare experience for some of my friends and family over the years. My heart rate sped up three years ago when I contracted atrial fibrillation, but that turned out to be beneficial because my cardiologist and my nephrologist wanted to switch my BP med to Carvedilol, a beta blocker, that slowed down my heart rate. Before the a-fib, my regular BP was around 50 -- too low to be slowed by a beta blocker. I know that you are very perceptive of your symptoms and keep good track of them. As long as you know about your heart rate and tell your anesthesiologists what to expect, it seems to me that you are unlikely to find yourself in crisis. Relieved of that worry, you might even find your heart rate more stable in the future.

I want to add that I am impressed by your courage in undergoing surgery to replace disks in your cervical spine. A close friend had that surgery a few years ago, risking her voice -- as an accomplished singer -- and her physical stability from her shoulders on down. Miraculously, she came through in great shape, returned to the golf course within a couple of months, and continues her vocal activities with more expertise than ever.
Martin

GOOD MORNING,
PLEASE FORGIVE ALL CAPS BUT MY FINGERS ARE A BIT STIFF AND CAPS ARE THE EASIEST WAY FOR ME TO TYPE.

ANYWAY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORTIVE WORDS.

I HAD MY CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY ON WEDNESDAY. I HAVE NOT SPOKEN WITH ANYONE. SINCE I WAS FIRST, THE DOC SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND WHILE I WAS STILL OUT OF IT. MY HUBBY WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN TO ASK ABOUT MY HEART. BUT I DID WARN EVERYONE AND HE WAS TOLD I DID WELL. I AM THINKING THAT GOING ON THE MEDS BEFORE SURGERY WAS PROBABLY A BIG HELP.

I HAVE TO SAY, I DID NOT REALIZE THIS SURGERY WOULD BE SO UNCOMFORTABLE. I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD SAY I AM IN 'PAIN' OR IN 'ACHE.' I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN PUNCHED ALL OVER MY UPPER BODY. I TAKE PAIN MEDS WHEN I NEED THEM BUT I TRY NOT TO TAKE 1 A DAY, 2 IF I AM DESPERATE. I AM AFRAID OF THEM. I HAVE A FOOD ADDICITION AND GETTING HOOKED ON THESE PAIN KILLERS CAN BE VERY EASY.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR KIND WORDS.
RONNIE

Hello @grandmar

I appreciate your update after your surgery. I can only imagine your discomfort and I hope that you feel better in the next few days.

Please keep in touch, I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

HI TERESA
JUST SITTING HERE RECUPPERATING. STILL EXPERIENCING DISCOMFORT. I FIND SITTING AND RELAXING SEEMS TO BE THE ANSWER. I NEVER REALLY KNOW WHICH MOVEMENT WILL SPARK A SHOCK TO MY SYSTEM.
OTHER THAN GOING OUT FOR A WALK WITH MY HUBBY A COUPLE OF TIMES DURING THE DAY AND GOING FOR COFFEE, I AM REALLY NOT GOING OUT. MY LUMBAR IS HURTING SO WALKING IS NOT MY FAVORITE THING TO DO RIGHT NOW. LUMBAR IS NEXT.
MY PAIN DOC AND SURGEON SAID I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 6 WEEKS BEFORE I CAN GET A LUMBAR SHOT. THEY DON'T WANT ME TO BE PUMPED WITH STERIODS. I ALSO COULDN'T HAVE A SHOT BEFORE. FUNNY, THE SURGEON HAD ME ON STEROIDS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS TO REDUCE THE SWELLING.
OH WELL, IF THIS WORKS, IT'S ALL WORTH IT!

HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY TODAY!!
RONNIE

Hello @grandmar

I'm so pleased to hear from you and to get an update on your recovery. You mention that sometimes you will experience a "shock to my system." I'm thinking that must be a shock-like pain?

It is so good that you can get out for walks and go for coffee. Getting back to a normal routine is a good thing, isn't it?

I look forward to hearing from you again. Your comments help to inform and encourage others.

Teresa

HAPPY FRIDAY TERESA!
FINGERS ARE STILL SO I AM USING ALL CAPS. NOT YELLING!!!

WENT FOR MY 2 WEEK POST-OP CHECK UP. SADLY, THE CD WITH MY XRAY WAS NOT WORKING SO WE COULD NOT TELL HOW THE DISKS ARE SETTLING IN.

I WAS TOLD ALL THE UP AND DOWN DAYS WITH HOW I FEEL ARE NORMAL. IT CAN TAKE 4-6 WEEKS FOR THAT TO GO AWAY. WE RAN TO THE HOPISAL AFTER THE VISIT TO TAKE A NEW ONE. I AM WAITING FOR A CALL WITH AN UPDATE.

IN THE MEANWHILE, MY RESTRICTIONS WILL REAMIN THE SAME FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS (UNTIL MY NEXT VISIT AND MY NEXT XRAY). ACTUALLY, 2 RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED. I CAN NOW DRIVE AND I NO LONGER HAVE TO COVER MY INCISION WHEN I SHOWER. YIPEE FOR THAT BECAUSE THE TAPE, WHICH WAS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, WAS IRRIATATING ME.

AS LONG AS THE XRAY COMES OUT GOOD, I'LL BE ABLE TO HAVE MY LUMBAR INJECTION.. HURRAH!!!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEKEND!!!!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

HAPP FRIDAY!!
I WENT FOR MY 2 WEEK POST-OP FOLLOW UP. THINGS APPEAR TO BE ON SCHEDULE. I CAN STILL EXPECT TO HAVE GOOD AND BAD DAYS FOR AT LEAST 4 MORE WEEKS.

I GOT A COPY OF MY SURGICAL REPORT. I DID NOT HAVE ANY TACHY EPISODES DURING THE PROCEDURE. THE DOCS KEPT AN EXTRA EYE ON ME BECAUSE OF MY HISTORY. MY PCP PUT ME ON METROPOLOL FOR A WEEK BEFORE. HE HOPED IT WOULD LOWER MY HEART RATE SO THAT IF IT DID INCREASE A BIT DURING THE PROCEDURE, IT SHOULD NOT BE TOO BAD. HE WAS RIGHT.

Ronnie
(GRANDMAr)