Overview of the Condition

What is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more heart valves do not work properly, affecting normal blood flow through the heart. This can make the heart work harder and may become serious if untreated. Treatment may include surgery or minimally invasive procedures to repair or replace the damaged valve. The incidence of heart valve disease in India is 25% and if left untreated it can lead to serious complications.

Who is Commonly Affected?

• Older adults — ageing can cause wear and damage to the heart valves over time
• Men — certain types of heart valve disease are more common in men
• Smokers — damage to blood vessels increases risk
• People with diabetes or high blood pressure
• Individuals with unhealthy diet or low physical activity
• People who have received chest radiation treatment
• Patients with a pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD)

Common Causes

• Rheumatic fever after untreated throat infection
• Heart attack or heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve defects present from birth
• Age-related valve damage or calcium buildup
• Enlargement of the aorta
• Heart infections

Signs and Symptoms

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen
• Weakness or dizziness
• Sudden weight gain
• Chest pain during activity

Procedures

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) — heart surgery through small chest incisions
• Valve repair or replacement — surgery to repair or replace a damaged heart valve
• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation/replacement (TAVI/TAVR) — minimally invasive valve replacement via catheter

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery?

Heart valve replacement is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure to replace a damaged heart valve with a biological or mechanical valve. It is done for severe valve disease causing poor blood flow or symptoms such as chest pain and fainting. Aortic and mitral valve replacements are the most common.

Preparation Guidelines

• You may need tests such as chest X-ray, echocardiogram, ECG, CT scan, cardiac catheterization, and blood tests
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about medications
• Do not eat or drink after midnight before surgery
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery
• The surgical area (chest or groin) will be cleaned and prepared

Step-by-Step

• The incision area is cleaned and prepared
• Anaesthesia is given so you remain asleep and pain-free
• A small cut is made in the chest or groin, depending on the procedure
• In open-heart surgery, a heart-lung machine may be used temporarily
• The damaged valve is replaced with a biological or mechanical valve
• The incision is closed after the new valve is checked

Time Required

1–4 hours.

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Heart attack
• Abnormal heart rhythm

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

• Provides a long-term treatment for heart valve disease
• Improves symptoms and blood flow
• Helps increase survival
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of infection

Duration of Hospital Stay

Few days.

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Recovery and Aftercare

• You may stay in the ICU initially for close monitoring
• Heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored after surgery
• Chest tubes may be used temporarily to drain fluids

Diet

• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and unhealthy fats

Long-Term Care

• Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Most people can gradually return to normal activities

Recovery Timeline

1–3 months.

Follow-up

• Cardiac rehabilitation may be advised
• Regular follow-up visits are important
• Check-ups are usually done after one month and then yearly

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions