Life After Valve Treatment

After you’ve had a heart valve repaired or replaced, ongoing care will help your heart stay strong and keep you active and well.

At Banner Health, we're here to support you, so you can thrive after treatment. We offer personalized follow-up care, wellness resources and a team that's by your side every step of the way.

Keeping your heart valve healthy

After you've had your heart valve repaired or replaced, it's important to check on how your heart is doing. That means:

• Having regular visits with your heart health care provider. You’ll have frequent appointments following your surgery, and you’ll probably need at least one visit a year for the rest of your life.
• Testing your heart with echocardiograms to make sure it’s working well.
• Tracking symptoms or changes in how you feel and sharing that information with your care team, especially if something comes up between appointments.

Your care team will help you set up a long-term monitoring plan that works for your needs and health history. Even when you feel well, regular checkups help your care team watch for small changes you might not notice. 

Talk with your provider about how often you need follow-ups and what signs to watch for. Valve function can change slowly, and routine imaging helps catch issues early. 

What to expect after valve treatment

Your recovery time will vary depending on whether you’ve had minimally invasive surgery or traditional open-heart surgery. You should gradually be able to return to work, driving and your regular activities. You will need to consult your care team before flying, since the air pressure changes in the plane can affect your heart and lungs.

Most of the time, repaired or replaced valves work well for many years. But your needs may change as you get older and your valve may change too. The future with valve treatment depends on the type of valve you have:

• You may need follow-up procedures if you received a tissue (biologic) valve
• You will need to take blood thinning medication for the rest of your life if you have a mechanical valve
• Repaired valves usually last for many years, but you’ll still need to follow up regularly with your care team for any recurrences

Staying connected with your cardiologist helps you be prepared for any future changes.

Medications and monitoring after heart valve treatment

Depending on your procedure, you may need to take medications such as:

• Blood thinners: These help prevent blood clots, especially with mechanical valves.
• Blood pressure medications: These help control blood pressure so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Heart rhythm medications: These help manage irregular heart rate.
• Diuretics: These help balance fluid levels in your body.

It's important to take all of your prescriptions as directed. Let your care team know if you notice any side effects or changes in your overall health. You'll need regular lab work or imaging to make sure your medications are working and your heart is functioning properly.

Be sure to follow your care team’s instructions for managing any other heart-related conditions, like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. 

Heart-healthy lifestyle habits to follow

Your lifestyle plays a big role in protecting your valve and your whole heart. Focus on:

• Nutrition: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins and limit sodium, added sugar and ultraprocessed foods.
• Movement: Stay physically active with walking, light strength exercises or other activities your care team recommends.
• Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
• Stress management: Use deep breathing, stretching or mindfulness to reduce daily stress.
• Avoid tobacco: Quit smoking, vaping or using nicotine products.
• Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your heart. 
• Monitoring your heart health: Know your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart health indicators.

How can cardiac rehab and wellness programs help?

If you started cardiac rehab after your procedure, it might be a good idea to continue with a maintenance program to improve your quality of life and long-term outcomes. These programs can help you:

• Stay motivated with your activity goals
• Manage risk factors like blood pressure or weight
• Connect with other people who've been through similar experiences
• Get one-on-one support from health coaches, nutritionists or therapists

Ask your care team if there's a long-term program available near you.

When should you call your doctor?

Pay attention to your body. Reach out if you notice:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Swelling in your legs, feet or abdomen
• Dizziness, fainting or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising (especially if you take blood thinners)
• Fever, chills or signs of infection
• New or worsening symptoms
• Concerns about medications
• Anything that doesn’t seem right

Getting care early can help prevent complications and keep your heart valve working well.

Stay connected with Banner Health

Your journey doesn't end after surgery or a hospital stay. At Banner Health, we provide the follow-up care and resources you need to thrive. Our team is there for you throughout your recovery and life after heart valve treatment. 

We offer: 

• Routine monitoring
• Cardiac rehab
• Comprehensive care with coordination between your cardiologist, primary care provider and other specialists
• Alternative and complementary therapy options
• Heart wellness services 
• Nutrition and medication support
• Care for your whole health

Stay on track with your heart care

Whether you need routine follow-up or have questions about living with your repaired or replaced valve, Banner Health is here to support your long-term success.

• Schedule your next follow-up appointment
• Explore heart wellness and rehab programs at Banner Health