Symptoms

That May Indicate the Need for Heart Valve Replacement

Heart valve issues can often present a range of symptoms that signal improper blood flow through the heart. Recognizing these early signs is essential for timely medical intervention.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Having a lightheaded feeling or chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or while lying down
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Noticeable heart murmurs or unusual heart sounds during a check-up
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the abdominal area
• Sudden increase in body weight caused by fluid buildup

If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate that a valve in the heart is not functioning correctly and needs medical assessment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including possible valve repair or replacement, can improve both quality of life and heart function.

Risk Factors Associated with Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

While heart valve replacement is often life-saving, like any major surgery, it carries certain potential risks. Being aware of these possible complications helps patients make informed decisions and prepare better for recovery.

Key Risk Factors Include:

• Internal bleeding during or shortly after the operation
• Formation of clots that may lead to stroke, lung complications, or heart attack
• infection within the heart or at the surgical site
• Lung infections such as pneumonia
• Difficulty breathing following surgery  
• Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat or disruption of the normal heart rhythm.

Patients are typically assessed in detail before surgery to minimize these risks. Advanced surgical techniques and experienced medical teams significantly reduce the chance of serious complications.

Preparation

How to Prepare for Valve Replacement Surgery?

Getting ready for valve replacement surgery involves several important steps to ensure the best outcome. Here’s a simple overview of what patients can expect before the procedure:

• Choose the Right Hospital: Select a trusted hospital in India with good facilities and a strong reputation for cardiac care. This helps ensure quality treatment at a reasonable cost.
• Know the Estimated Cost: In India, valve replacement surgery usually costs between USD 7,000 and 13,000, depending on factors like hospital location, the surgeon’s experience, and the type of valve used.
• Undergo Medical Tests: Patients must complete a set of pre-surgery tests (also called a Pre-Surgical Checkup or PSC). These often include blood work, ECG, echocardiogram, and urine tests to confirm the patient is fit for surgery.
• Consent Form Signing: Before surgery, patients (or their guardians) are required to sign a consent form to approve the procedure.
• Share Medication History: Inform the doctor about any medicines being taken. Certain medications, especially blood thinners, must be stopped several days before surgery as advised by the doctor.
• Pre-Surgery Hospital Admission: Patients are generally admitted to the hospital a day before the surgery. Fasting may be required the night before the operation.
• Stop Blood Thinners in Advance: Medicines that affect blood clotting are usually stopped around 10 days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Understand Cost Factors: The overall cost of valve replacement in India can vary based on the quality of the valve implant, the patient’s health condition, hospital stay duration, and the city or facility chosen.

Procedure

What Procedures Are Involved in Valve Replacement Surgery?

Before the surgery, patients meet with the surgical and anesthesia teams to understand the procedure, its advantages, and any possible risks. This step helps prepare the patient and answer all their questions.

The surgery typically begins under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be unconscious and won’t feel pain during the operation. The surgeon may use one of the following approaches depending on the patient’s condition:

• Open-heart surgery: To gain access to the heart and replace the damaged valve, a substantial cut is made in the chest.
• Minimally invasive approach: In some cases, a smaller incision may be used. This option usually results in a quicker recovery and less scarring.

Once the heart is exposed, the surgeon removes the faulty valve and replaces it with a new one. There are a number of different procedures for replacing valves:

Types of Valve Replacement:

• Mechanical Valve Replacement: These valves are made from durable materials like titanium, stainless steel, or ceramic. They are long-lasting but usually require lifelong blood-thinning medication.
• Biological Valve Replacement: These valves are created from human or animal tissue. They typically last 12 to 15 years and may not need lifelong anticoagulants.
• Ross Procedure: In this method, the patient’s own pulmonary valve is used to replace the aortic valve, and a donor valve is then used to replace the pulmonary valve.
• TAVR/TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation): A less invasive option where the new valve is inserted via a catheter, often used in patients who are at higher risk from open-heart surgery.

Post Procedure

What Is the Post-Operative Care After Valve Replacement Surgery?

After undergoing valve replacement surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Patients are usually moved to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring in the initial hours following surgery.

Here are key aspects of post-surgery care:

• Monitoring and Recovery: Vital signs, heart function, and wound healing are carefully observed. Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days, depending on their recovery speed and overall health.
• Pain Management: Pain and discomfort around the chest area are common. Doctors will prescribe pain medications to keep the patient comfortable during the healing phase.
• Wound Care: Patients must keep the surgical incision clean and dry. Instructions are provided on how to care for the wound at home to avoid infections.
• Medications: Blood thinners may be prescribed, especially after a mechanical valve replacement, to prevent clot formation. Other medications may include antibiotics, beta-blockers, or drugs to regulate heart rhythm.
• Activity and Rehabilitation: Physical activity should be resumed gradually. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are often recommended to help regain strength, improve heart function, and adjust to a new lifestyle.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with the cardiologist or surgeon are essential to monitor heart function and ensure the new valve is working properly.
• Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: A heart-healthy diet, stress management, and quitting smoking (if applicable) contribute to a smoother recovery and long-term success.

Success Rate

What Is the Success Rate of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?

Heart valve replacement surgery is considered a highly effective procedure with a strong record of positive outcomes. The success rate largely depends on the patient’s age, overall health, type of valve used, and presence of other medical conditions.

On average, the success rate of valve replacement surgery in India is around 95% to 97%, particularly when performed by experienced cardiac surgeons using advanced surgical methods and high-quality prosthetic valves.

Patients who undergo timely surgery and follow proper post-operative care typically experience:

• Significant improvement in heart function
• Relief from symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness
• Enhanced quality of life and increased life expectancy

With the availability of world-class hospitals, skilled surgeons, and cost-effective treatment options, India continues to be a preferred destination for heart valve replacement procedures.

FAQs About Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

What should I ask my doctor before undergoing valve replacement surgery?

Here are important questions to consider:

1. Are you a board-certified cardiac surgeon with experience in valve replacement procedures?
2. Is the hospital accredited and equipped for advanced heart surgeries?
3. Based on my medical condition, am I a suitable candidate for this surgery?
4. What is the success rate of this surgery in your facility?
5. How long will the recovery process take after the surgery?
6. What risks or complications should I be aware of?
7. What are the benefits and possible drawbacks of valve replacement?
8. How much does heart valve replacement surgery in India typically cost?
9. When can I resume normal activities like walking, working, or exercising?
10. Will I require another surgery in the future?
11. Are regular follow-ups and medical tests needed after the surgery?
12. How serious is this type of heart surgery?
13. What are the most commonly replaced heart valves?
14. How long does open-heart surgery recovery typically last?
15. What is the implanted heart valve’s lifespan?
16. Can a person live a normal life with a mechanical heart valve?
17. What are the risks of not treating a leaking heart valve?
18. Is valve replacement always done as open-heart surgery?
19. What is the average survival rate for heart valve replacement patients?
20. How long can someone live with untreated severe aortic valve stenosis?