Submitted by Dr T on November 28, 2011 – 8:58am
Question:
I had a 5 bypass surgery 9 weeks ago. I have been getting this gurgling sensation in my heart, and I check my BP it is usually pretty normal for me 130’s/80’s/70’s. My blood pressure seems to go higher at night, and I take some additional meds. I was on Multaq, for afib, but off it now, as my afib has become normal. I’m also having problems sleeping, even with 2 10 mg ambien. I’m 63 and weigh 225lbs. Thank you, Don
Hi Don,
When a coronary artery bypass procedure is performed, your heart sack (pericardium) needs to be opened. Afterwards, the pericardium is usually not closed, and for awhile afterwards your heart will “feel different”. The gurgling sound probably represents a little bit of fluid between your heart and chest wall. It will disappear with time and is not an indication of problems. When you read this section on heart surgery recovery, you will probably find some other things that are similar to what you experience.
Hope this helps,
Dr T
Comments 2
Author
I’m at day 23 after CABG X 3, and doing fine for the most part except for trouble sleeping and mild depression. My concern is a painless bubbling sensation in the center of my chest when I breathe, just behind the breastbone. It almost feels like phlegm in my throat during a bad cough, but the bubbling sensation is not coming from my airway (at least I don’t think so). I only feel it in the vertical position and it goes away when lying down. It is always present when I am in an upright position.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Author
The gurgling and wheezing sounds seems to be coming from my lungs when I breathe. I also get winded real fast, have to sit for awhile. ?