Do I need to take medication after surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery and valve used, you may need blood thinners or medications to prevent infection or manage symptoms.
How long does a replaced valve last?
The longevity of a replaced valve varies. Mechanical valves may last longer but require lifelong blood thinners. Biological valves have a limited lifespan but may not require blood thinners.
Can heart valve diseases recur after treatment?
In some cases, yes. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is crucial to monitor valve function.
What is the recovery time after heart valve surgery?
It takes about two months to recover from heart valve surgery. Recovery times vary and can be shorter in the case of minimally invasive surgeries. However, most surgeries often need a hospital stay, rest, and rehabilitation.
What are transcatheter procedures for heart valve diseases?
Transcatheter approaches involve inserting a new valve through a catheter. This can help avoid open-heart surgery.
What is the difference between heart valve repair vs. replacement?
In heart valve repair, the surgeon fixes the existing valve. In heart valve replacement, the diseased valve is replaced with an artificial valve.
How are heart valve diseases diagnosed?
During the physical examination, your doctor may find signs of heart valve disease, like a murmur, enlarged heart, or swollen ankles.
However, precise diagnosis can be made with the help of: Chest X-ray Cardiac catheterization Echocardiograms Electrocardiograms (ECGs) Imaging tests like MRI Transesophageal echocardiogram Exercise stress echocardiogram
What causes heart valve diseases?
The causes of heart valve disease are: Congenital defects Infections like rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis Age-related degeneration or calcification Certain medical conditions
What are the common types of heart valve diseases?
Common types of heart valve diseases include: Aortic stenosis Mitral regurgitation Mitral stenosis Tricuspid regurgitation
How long does a cryoablation procedure last?
The duration of a cryosurgery depends on the part of the body being treated. Typically, it requires 1 to 4 hours for a cryoablation procedure.
