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Heart valve replacement surgery Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

Answers to questions about heart valve replacement surgery

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Will I need to continue with any treatments after I have the surgery?

Yes. Depending on the type of surgery you have and your health before the operation, you may need to take medicines such as antibiotics and anticoagulants after your surgery. You may also need to continue taking other drugs for your heart valve disease such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg Ramipril) or diuretics (eg Furosemide).

Explanation

After your heart valve replacement surgery your doctor or surgeon may recommend that you take anticoagulants such as warfarin. These medicines help stop blood clots from forming. The length of time you will need to take these depends on the type of replacement valve that you had.

If you had a biological valve, you will only need to take anticoagulants for a few weeks. After this you will need to take aspirin to reduce the risk of clots forming around your replacement valve.

If you had a mechanical valve, you will need to take anticoagulants for the rest of your life. This is because these valves are made from artificial material and so clots are more likely to form around them.

You may also need to take anticoagulants if you have a specific form of arrhythmia (a disturbance of the normal electrical rhythm of your heart) called atrial fibrillation. You will be prescribed anticoagulants if you have had, or are at increased of, a stroke.

While you're taking anticoagulants you will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that you're on the correct dose. It's very important that you're on the correct dose of anticoagulant as too much can lead to bleeding.

If you're at risk of infection, your doctor or surgeon may give you antibiotics before and after your operation to prevent your valve from becoming infected. If your valve becomes infected, it can spread to the lining of your heart (endocarditis). Endocarditis is a serious condition that can lead to damage to the heart valves.

To help prevent infection you should practice good dental hygiene and have regular dental checkups. This stops the bacteria in your mouth from entering your bloodstream.

Your doctor will advise you about taking anticoagulants after your operation. For more information about preventing endocarditis, see your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Valvular heart disease. British Heart Foundation, 2005, Heart Information Series Number 11. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 54th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2007:125-126
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:348-349; 366-367
  • Vahanian A, Baumgartner H, Bax, J, et al. Guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease. Eur Heart J 2007; 28:230-268. http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org
  • Personal communication, Dr Tim Cripps, Consultant Cardiologist, Bristol Royal Infirmary, 1 September 2008
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Is there anything I can do to speed up my recovery?

Yes. It will take up to three months to recover completely so you will need to take things easy until then. You can take measures such as joining a cardiac rehabilitation programme to help your recovery.

Explanation

It can take up to three months to recover fully from heart surgery and during this time you will need to build yourself back up to normal.

For the first six weeks after your operation you should limit the amount of alcohol you drink. According to the British Heart Foundation, one unit of alcohol (eg half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine) per day is a sensible limit. The effects of alcohol can be greater if you're taking certain medicines, and alcohol can interfere with certain medicines. Always ask your doctor for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

You may be recommended to take part in a cardiac rehabilitation programme. This will cover exercise, relaxation and lifestyle changes that can help you recover. For example, you may get advice on:

  • diet and healthy eating
  • how to recognise stress
  • how to stop smoking
  • medicines
  • returning to work

For more advice on cardiac rehabilitation programmes, ask your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Having heart surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2005, Heart Information Series Number 12. www.bhf.org.uk
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When can I start exercising after surgery and what is suitable for me?

Your physiotherapist will help you to start moving around about two days after your surgery. Once you get home you should build your activity levels up slowly until you're back to your usual level of activity.

Explanation

It's important to keep active when you get home after your surgery. Try to do the same amount of exercise at home as you did with the physiotherapist at hospital.

It's important to rest properly as well. When you sit down, make sure that you have your feet raised, on a stool, for example. Your legs should be supported too, so don't sit too far away from the stool. You should set aside specific times to rest and make sure that you stick to them.

After the first few days you can start to build up the amount of exercise you do. Gentle walking is a good way to do this. Ask your physiotherapist for more information about suitable exercises and how to build up your levels of activity.

The best kind of exercise for your heart is aerobic activity. Aerobic activity can be any repetitive exercise that involves the large muscle groups of your legs, shoulders or arms. You can try:

  • swimming
  • dancing
  • brisk walking

It's very important to increase your levels of physical activity gradually. You shouldn't do any strenuous or vigorous activity such as weightlifting as this can put a strain on your heart.

With any exercise, you may want to involve your partner, family or friends to make it more fun.

You should stop exercising immediately if you feel:

  • pain
  • dizzy or light-headed
  • sick

If you develop any of these symptoms and they don't go away after a few minutes, see your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Having heart surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2005. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Physical activity and your heart. British Heart Foundation, 2005. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Get active! British Heart Foundation, 2005. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Get active for your heart. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk
    • , accessed 10 April 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: May 2009

 

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