Heart valve disease can affect the way blood flows through the heart and may cause symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, tiredness, dizziness, or swelling in the legs. When a damaged valve becomes severely narrowed or does not close properly, valve replacement may be recommended.
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) and Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) are procedures used to replace diseased heart valves and improve blood flow. At Rhythm Heart & Critical Care, patients receive cardiac evaluation and treatment planning based on their valve condition, symptoms, heart function, and overall health.
Heart valve replacement is a procedure in which a damaged or severely diseased heart valve is replaced with a new valve. The treatment may be considered when valve disease is significantly affecting heart function or causing symptoms.
The type of valve procedure depends on which valve is affected and the severity of the disease.
The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the body’s main artery. Aortic valve replacement may be required when the valve becomes severely narrowed, known as aortic stenosis, or when it is significantly damaged.
Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include surgical valve replacement or, in selected patients, a transcatheter procedure such as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation).
The mitral valve helps blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Severe mitral valve disease can interfere with normal blood circulation and place additional strain on the heart.
Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) may be considered when the valve is severely narrowed or leaking and other treatment options are not appropriate.
Valve replacement may be considered when:
A detailed evaluation, usually including echocardiography and other cardiac tests when required, helps determine the appropriate treatment approach. Rhythm Heart & Critical Care provides advanced echocardiography for evaluation of heart valves and cardiac function.
Treatment planning depends on the affected valve, severity of disease, age, medical history, heart function, and overall health.
For suitable patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVI can provide a less invasive method of replacing the aortic valve through a catheter rather than conventional open-heart surgery. However, it is not suitable for every patient, so proper cardiac assessment is necessary.
Valve replacement can help:
The expected benefits depend on the patient’s specific valve condition and overall health.
Before the procedure, follow your cardiologist’s instructions regarding medicines, fasting, investigations, and admission. Inform the medical team about existing conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and all medicines you are taking.
Do not stop blood-thinning or other prescribed medicines unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Take prescribed medicines regularly and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep the surgical or catheter-access area clean and monitor for unusual swelling, bleeding, redness, fever, or increasing pain.
Gradually return to normal activities according to medical advice. Maintain a heart-healthy diet, avoid smoking, and follow recommendations regarding physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation.