Heart valve surgery
About this test
Heart valve surgery is a procedure to treat heart valve disease. Heart valve disease happens when at least one of the four heart valves is not working properly. Heart valves keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart. The four heart valves are the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve. Each valve has flaps — called leaflets for the mitral and tricuspid valves and cusps for the aortic and pulmonary valves. These flaps should open and close once during each heartbeat. Valves that don't open and close properly change blood flow through the heart to the body.
Why it's done
Heart valve surgery is done to treat heart valve disease. There are two basic types of heart valve disease: A narrowing of a valve, called stenosis. A leak in a valve that allows blood to flow backward, called regurgitation. You might need heart valve surgery if you have heart valve disease that affects your heart's ability to pump blood. If you don't have symptoms or if your condition is mild, your healthcare team might suggest regular health checkups. Lifestyle changes and medicines might help manage symptoms. Sometimes, heart valve surgery may be done even if you don't have symptoms. For example, if you need heart surgery for another condition, surgeons might repair or replace a heart valve at the same time. Ask your healthcare team whether heart valve surgery is right for you. Ask if minimally invasive heart surgery is an option. It does less damage to the body than does open-heart surgery. If you need heart valve surgery, choose a medical center that has done many heart valve surgeries that include both repair and replacement of the valve.
Risks and complications
Heart valve surgery risks include: Bleeding. Infection. Irregular heart rhythm, called arrhythmia. Problem with a replacement valve. Heart attack. Stroke. Death.
How to prepare
Your surgeon and treatment team discuss your heart valve surgery with you and answer any questions. Before you go to the hospital for heart valve surgery, talk with your family or loved ones about your hospital stay. Also discuss what help you'll need when you come home.
Understanding your results
After heart valve surgery, your doctor or another member of your healthcare team tells you when you can get back to your usual activities. You need to go to regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional. You might have tests to check your heart health. Lifestyle changes can keep your heart working well. Examples of heart-healthy lifestyle changes are: Eating a healthy diet. Getting regular exercise. Managing stress. Not smoking or using tobacco. Your care team might suggest that you join a program of education and exercise called cardiac rehabilitation. It is designed to help you recover after heart surgery and improve your overall health and heart health.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.