The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in one direction. A valve can narrow, which makes the heart work harder, or leak, which lets blood flow backwards. Causes include rheumatic fever, age-related wear, infection and birth defects. Some of the symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, heart palpitations, chest pain, and fainting.

A cardiovascular surgeon in Mumbai at Apex discusses the options with the patient, using echocardiography to show how the valve moves and how severe the problem is. Repair rebuilds the patient's own valve and is often preferred for the mitral valve because the heart's natural tissue is preserved. Replacement uses either a mechanical valve, which lasts very long but needs lifelong blood-thinning tablets, or a tissue valve, which usually needs less blood thinning but may wear out sooner.

The choice depends on age, other illnesses, the valve involved and pregnancy plans. After surgery, patients spend time in intensive care, then on the ward, and begin gentle walking soon. Patients with mechanical valves need regular blood tests to adjust their medicine. All patients with a repaired or replaced valve are advised to maintain dental hygiene and to inform their dentists and doctors about the valve, as infection of the valve is serious.

How the Procedure Can Help

Valve surgery relieves breathlessness and tiredness and protects the heart from further strain. Timely repair or replacement can prevent permanent damage to the heart muscle and improve both quality and length of life.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, clots, stroke, infection of the valve, rhythm problems, valve wear and the need for further surgery. Blood thinners increase bleeding risk and must be monitored. Fever, new breathlessness, sudden weakness, speech difficulty or unusual bleeding after valve surgery needs urgent attention.