Full recovery from a heart valve procedure can take as long as eight weeks, depending on the procedure. Remember to take it slow even if you’re feeling better.
After your procedure, you will follow up with the structural heart team before returning to the care of your regular cardiologist.
A few weeks after your procedure, your provider will likely recommend cardiac rehab. Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised education and exercise program designed to help you adjust to life after heart surgery. You’ll learn healthy lifestyle habits and stress-management tactics to help your heart recover and stay as healthy as possible.
Managing stress is important for both your heart health and mental health. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 25 percent of patients experience depression after heart surgery. The stress of surgery, concerns over your long-term health and a slow recovery can all tax you emotionally. Talk to your care team or find a mental health counselor if you regularly feel sad or hopeless or no longer seem interested in activities you once enjoyed.
