In this blog, we will cover what heart valve surgery is and what long-term care tips for heart valve surgery in Delhi. Continue reading for further information.
What Is Heart Valve Surgery?
The heart has four valves; aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary that control blood flow within the heart and to the rest of the body. When one or more valves become damaged or diseased (due to conditions like valve stenosis or regurgitation), it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Heart valve surgery is performed to:
Repair a faulty valve (valve repair)
Replace a damaged valve with a mechanical or biological prosthesis (valve replacement)
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and overall health, but here’s a general overview:
Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days after open-heart surgery; shorter for minimally invasive procedures.
Initial healing: Takes 6–8 weeks for most activities to resume.
Cardiac rehabilitation: A medically supervised program to regain strength and monitor heart health.
Long-Term Care Tips After Heart Valve Surgery
Here are some of the long-term care tips after heart valve surgery:
Take Medications as Prescribed
Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Especially important for mechanical valve recipients to prevent clots.
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics: May be prescribed to support heart function.
Never stop medications without consulting your doctor.
Attend Regular Follow-Ups
Routine echocardiograms and checkups are vital to monitor heart valve function.
Blood tests may be needed to monitor blood thickness (INR) if you're on warfarin or similar drugs.
Practice Heart-Healthy Eating
Follow a low-sodium, low-fat, heart-healthy diet to prevent further heart disease.
Incorporate diets rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (fish), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts). Moreover, you should also limit processed foods, sugary drinks and red meat.
Exercise Safely and Regularly
Engage in light to moderate exercise as guided by your cardiologist.
Walking, swimming, or cycling can improve circulation and heart strength.
Avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects until fully cleared by your doctor.
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