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Recovery statistics are very good for people who receive proper treatment.

Even for very strong people, fear can sometimes paralyze us into inaction. But valve surgery is very likely to provide a positive outcome, so planning your recovery is key. Read these articles and handouts and cheer yourself on as you reach your healthy living goals.

Here's what you'll find in this section:

• The key to clear communication with your health care professional about your condition and whether or not you need surgery.
• We'll talk about your surgery goals and what to expect from recovery and follow up.
• Helpful tips on how to plan and prepare for surgery.
• Which goals and milestones you might experience after your repair.

When a person is considering heart valve replacement or repair, it can be helpful to know the overall goals of the procedure and how the success and your return to wellness will be tracked. Here are some of the goals for any valve surgery.

View our Recovery Milestones checklist: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Goal 1: Lengthen and improve the quality of life.

The odds are very good that valve repair or replacement will lengthen life and improve health and quality of life. Most valve patients can expect to return to their full activity level. Although not all valve conditions are life-threatening, it could be a mistake to assume the condition is insignificant. Some valve disease problems can lead to an increased risk of death if treatment recommendations are not followed. Some valve disease problems can lead to a significantly increased risk of death. If you’ve been told that you require valve treatment, it shouldn’t be ignored or postponed indefinitely. If finances are keeping you from receiving surgical treatment that you need, there are studies and government initiatives to help make the procedure affordable. Learn more about health care laws and government programs seeking to provide affordable coverage at the .

Goal 2: Maintain an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood flowing through your heart.

To feel energized and healthy, we all need a good supply of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to our body. A damaged valve can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, but a valve replacement or repair can restore your heart’s ability to serve the needs of the rest of the body.

Goal 3: Reduce the possibility of damaging your heart and blood vessels.

A diseased valve can harm the entire surrounding area of tissue and muscle required for pumping blood. Your medical team will want to help you select a treatment plan that will offer the best long-term strategy. They will evaluate the condition and function of each part of your hemodynamic system, which refers to all the functional parts that work together to pump blood. They will measure the pressure on your valves before and after surgery by measuring the jet velocity (pressure on the valve) and ejection fraction (amount of blood pumped out).

Goal 4: Reduce as many unpleasant symptoms as possible.

Your health care team will help you feel as good as possible during your procedure and after your recovery.

Goal 5: Give you the best possible option for returning to a healthy and active life.

Your health care team will weigh your risks for surgery with the possibility of your return to a healthy and active lifestyle. Depending on your heart health, your overall health, your age and your ability to heal after surgery, they will help you choose a plan that provides as full a recovery as possible.

Goal 6: Achieve recovery milestones.

Your health care team can also help you determine your return to health by helping to identify milestones such as sitting up alone, walking short distances, self-care and bathing, incision healing, walking longer distances, driving and, within a few weeks, returning to work and engaging in all activities.