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When heart valves become damaged or diseased and malfunctioning, they may need to be repaired or replaced. Cardiac valve replacement surgery aims to treat the valve problem, alleviate or eliminate symptoms, extend life, and improve quality of life.
Heart valve dysfunction can be caused by valve stenosis (stiffness) or valve regurgitation (leaky valve). Traditionally, open-heart surgery is performed to repair or replace heart valves. This involves making a large incision in the chest and temporarily stopping the heart so that the valve(s) can be repaired or replaced. Minimally invasive surgeries involving smaller incisions result in less pain and shorter hospital stays. When possible, it is best to repair a valve while preserving the patient's heart tissue. A mechanical valve, an animal valve, or a fresh valve from another human heart may be utilised if the tissue is seriously injured.
If your heart valve(s) are damaged or diseased, you may have the following symptoms:
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Breathing troubles
Palpitations
Oedema (swelling) of the foot, ankles, or stomach
Heart murmurs
Rapid weight increase resulting from fluid retention
Coughing or wheezing
There could be additional reasons why your healthcare professional recommends Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery.
Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery may pose the following risks:
Bleeding during or following surgery
Lung problems, heart attacks, and strokes can result from blood clots
Infection
Pneumonia
Pancreatitis
Breathing problems
Infection around the incision site
Arrhythmias (abnormal cardiac rhythms)
Depending on your medical condition, you may face additional hazards. Before the procedure, share any concerns you may have with your healthcare professional.
Your healthcare professional will describe the procedure and allow you to ask questions.
You will be asked to sign a consent document giving your approval to perform the surgery.
Along with a detailed medical history, your healthcare professional may perform a thorough physical exam to ensure that you are in overall good health before surgery.
Blood tests and other diagnostic procedures may be required.
You will be instructed to fast for 8 hours (no eating or drinking) before the surgery, which is usually after midnight.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to any drugs, iodine, latex, tape, or anaesthetics (both local and general).
Make sure your healthcare practitioner is aware of all drugs (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are using any anticoagulants (blood thinners), aspirin, or other blood-clotting medications.
You may be instructed to discontinue some of these medications prior to surgery.
Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices.
If you smoke, you should cease as quickly as possible. This increases your chances of a good surgical recovery while also benefiting your general health.
Depending on your medical condition, your healthcare professional may require further preparation.
After Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery, you'll first be taken to the recovery room, where medical staff will monitor your vital signs as you wake up from anaesthesia. You might then spend a day or two in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring of your heart and breathing, with tubes and monitors to assist with recovery. Pain medications will be given to keep you comfortable.
In the early stages of recovery, your heart and valve function will be regularly checked through tests. You'll be guided through breathing exercises to keep your lungs healthy and encouraged to start moving around gradually to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. The surgical incision will be monitored and kept clean, and you'll start with a liquid or soft food diet, moving to solid foods as tolerated.
When it's time to go home, you'll receive instructions on self-care, including wound care and activity limits. It's important to take prescribed medications, including pain relievers and blood thinners if needed. Follow your doctor’s advice on physical activity, avoiding heavy lifting, and adopting a heart-healthy diet while avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your recovery, and you should contact your doctor if you experience fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or swelling.
However, with adequate medical care, a good attitude, and a commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle, many people can enjoy vigorous, meaningful lives for many years after having Heart Valve Surgery.
The aortic valve is the most frequently replaced cardiac valve. This is primarily due to conditions like:
Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Aortic Regurgitation: Leakage of the aortic valve, allowing blood to flow backwards into the heart.
Both of these conditions can significantly impact heart function and quality of life, making Aortic Valve Replacement a common and necessary procedure.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
You experience chest pain or discomfort near your incision site.
You develop a fever, which could indicate an infection.
You notice significant weight gain—-more than 2.3 kilograms—-which might suggest fluid retention.
You feel depressed, as this can affect your recovery and overall well-being.
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