Aortic Valve Replacement
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
Aortic valve replacement is surgery to put a new aortic valve in your heart. Your aortic valve separates the lower section of your heart from your aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. Your aortic valve opens and closes to let blood flow from your heart. When the valve does not work correctly, your heart pumps less blood to your body.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
- You have trouble breathing or are coughing up blood. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough.
- You have blood in your bowel movements or urine. You are bleeding from your nose, mouth, or incision wound.
- You have a severe headache. This may feel like the worst headache of your life.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have vision changes or loss of vision.
- You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseated. You may have cold sweats and bluish skin, lips, or nails.
Call your cardiologist or surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- Your wound area is painful, red, or oozing fluid.
- You feel too tired for normal activities weeks after your surgery.
- Your hands, ankles, or feet are swollen.
- You urinate less, or not at all.
- You feel tired or weak and are short of breath.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help kill germs that may get into your blood and cause an infection in your heart. Healthcare providers may tell you to take antibiotics before and after dental work, surgery, and some procedures. This is important after heart valve disease.
- Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Heart medicine helps strengthen or regulate your heartbeat.
- Blood pressure medicine helps lower your blood pressure.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Care for your incision area:
Your healthcare providers will show you how to take care of your incision area. Check your area, clean it, and change the bandages each day. If the bandage gets dirty or falls off, put on a new one. Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Mouth care:
Take care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss your teeth, and see your dentist regularly. You may help prevent an infection in your heart if you do this. Tell your dentist that you have had heart valve surgery.
Activity:
Physical activity is important after valve replacement surgery. Activity helps you recover from surgery and may help prevent other medical problems. It can also help prevent depression that often occurs after heart surgery. You will feel tired at first, but over time you will be able to do more. Healthcare providers will help you begin to be active. Your providers may want you to continue in an exercise program after you leave the hospital.
Cardiac rehabilitation:
Your cardiologist or heart surgeon may recommend that you attend cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and prevent more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working. The plan may also include instructions for when you can drive, return to work, and do other normal daily activities.
Good nutrition for your heart:
Get enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help prevent poor nutrition and muscle wasting. You may be told to eat foods low in cholesterol or sodium (salt). You also may be told to limit saturated and trans fats. Do eat foods that contain healthy fats, such as walnuts, salmon, and canola and soybean oils. Eat foods that help protect the heart, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sources of fiber. Ask what a healthy weight is for you. Set goals to reach and stay at that weight.
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Follow up with your cardiologist or surgeon as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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