A patient suffering from stenosis or regurgitation may be asked to undergo Heart valve repair or replacement surgery. The treatment also depends on other factors like the severity of the condition, your age, and your health.

The following points may be practiced during the preparation of the treatment-

• The doctors will run a few diagnostic tests and blood tests to check your overall health status if you are healthy enough for the surgery.

• The hospital staff will ask you to fill a consent form for your permission to do the surgery.

• The doctors will ask you to fast for 8 hours before the surgery.

• Let your surgeon know about all your ongoing medications or if you are allergic to any medicine or substance.

• If you smoke, make sure to stop smoking before the surgery as it may inhibit your recovery rate and degrade your health status.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement surgery can be performed using Minimally invasive heart surgery that makes small incisions or the standard open-heart surgery that involves a 6-8 inch long incision on the chest bone starting from below the adam’s apple to just above the navel.

The heart valve repair surgery involves activities such as-

• Eliminating excess valve tissue.

• Closing the gaps in the valves.

• Separating closed valve flaps.

• Strengthening the ring around the valve.

If the replacement of the valves is required, the doctor may suggest two types of valve- Mechanical and Biological. The type of valve to be placed inside your heart will be thoroughly discussed by the doctors and your body requirements. The replacement of valves can also be done using the minimally invasive method of surgery.

• After the surgery, you will be moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) where the treatment team will keep your vitals in check and will take care of your medication and signs of infection at the site of the incision.

• At home you will be required to keep your incision dry and clean, hence you will be provided with bathing instructions. 

• The doctor will provide you with a list of activities to be followed to heal the wounds of the incision and how to recognize the symptoms of infection. The wounds will be prone to infections for almost 6 weeks and hence a proper routine will be preferred. 

• The stitches will be removed in a follow-up appointment when the incision is close to healing.

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be opted by the patients for their healthy well-being.

• To keep your heart working well, you will have to manage your stress and avoid tobacco use.

• Lifestyle changes should be induced with healthy activities like a proper diet, quitting smoking and drinking habits, investing in more physical activities.