u/TimSim70

Backstory: 74(M) - I was diagnosed with severe mvp with regurgitation 17 months ago (March 2025) and had minimally-invasive robotic-assisted mitral valve repair with annuloplasty on June 5th - 14 months ago. I had a heart murmur since a young age, but was asymptomatic until 2 years ago - running / lifting weights most of my adult life - no problems. Then - even walking up stairs became a problem.

I have a family history of high blood pressure - my grandfather had several strokes and heart attacks, my father started taking bp meds when he was 40 and my mother started taking them when she was 70. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure when I was 50 and have been taking Losartan ever since (until the surgery last year anyway).

After surgery, I was put on Metoprolol. I know it was necessary, but I was not a fan - slowed my metabolism and I gained some weight no matter how much I worked out and dieted. I talked to my cardiologist about it in February and switched back to Losartan but this time it was Losartan HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) - basically the same blood pressure medication I was on before but with an added diuretic / water pill to further reduce edema and blood pressure.

In order to help lose the weight I gained on the beta blocker, my PCP put me on Wegovy (the pill form). For those of you over 65, there is a new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program that lowers the cost to $50 per month if you qualify - instead of a 35 BMI, you still qualify with anything above a 28 with an underlying cardiac diagnosis. I've dropped 11 pounds in the first 5 weeks.

All was well until a couple of weeks ago and I noticed my blood pressure was starting to get a lot lower than normal - down in the 96 over 65 range - maybe a little higher in the evening. This may have been helped along with the fact that I've dropped most of the weight I gained on the metoprolol beta blocker. On a regular checkup visit with my PCP, she noted that my blood pressure was significantly lower than previous visits and wanted to know if I felt dizzy - I did not. She then suggested something that I 100% did not expect. She said, 'Let's see what happens if you stopped taking any blood pressure medicine at all.'

A week has gone by and my bp all week has been very consistent - this morning it was 116 / 78 and pulse rate was 68. Unbelievable!! After 24 years of taking blood pressure medications, I no longer have hypertension! I'm keeping a close eye on it - hoping it's not temporary.

According to AI:

- fixing the mitral valve regurgitation permanently lowers your heart's pumping workload making it the biggest factor in my lowered bp is the mitral valve repair - likely responsible for a 20 - 30 mmHG drop.

-Wegovy (and probably other oral GLP-1's) is 'heart protective' and lowers systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 - 8 mmHG in clinical trials by relaxing blood vessel walls and reducing systemic inflammation - this is independent of any associated weight loss. Clinical trials show that oral semaglutide relaxes the smooth muscles of your blood vessel walls, reduces systemic arterial inflammation, and prompts your body to naturally excrete slightly more sodium

-weight loss- for every Kg (2.2 lbs) of weight lost, systolic blood pressure typically drops by about 1 mmHG. - so losing 11 lbs means about 5 mmHG reduction

In other words, this triple-threat combo is not a 'cure', but it shows that you can structurally and metabolically optimize your body to achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure irregardless of your genetics.

This is my 'Silver Lining' to having an MVP diagnosis.

I have a 2005 Honda CRV with 228k miles on it. The engine is tight and runs great - very peppy. Transmission is good. Still has the tailgater table. Replaced a/c compressor and exhaust system including cat converter a couple of years ago. The interior is not great.

Here is my list of current issues; alternator, slight leak in radiator or radiator hose, passenger side front axle needs replaced, windshield is cracked. I don't have the tools, garage space, lift, or time to do this all myself.

A local repair shop I trust told me it would probably be between $3000 - $4000 to fix (not counting windshield - most of which would be covered by insurance). Seems high, but not outrageous.

This is my 2nd vehicle - I use it in bad weather or for costco/home depot runs. My primary vehicle doesn't do well in snow and isn't good for hauling bags of mulch.

Do I sell it, donate it, or have it repaired? Should I have it repaired first, then sell it? Is it possible to find someone in my area that will repair it as a side gig if I buy the parts?

I know I'm overthinking it, but it's been so reliable and I've looked at used SUVs and would prefer not to spend a lot on another 2nd car.

Appreciate any insights.