It’s a good idea to think ahead when choosing your first aortic valve, and understanding the next steps in your journey to managing your aortic stenosis. Make your voice heard – remember, when it comes to your health, there is no such thing as a silly question. Your Heart Team will be available to discuss any questions you may have regarding your procedure and assist you in making the optimal decision for your situation.
Hear Graham and his cardiologist, Mr Ahmed, discuss life after aortic valve replacement surgery.
Graham
"If I had the choice again I’d do the same again, I’d go through it. You wouldn’t believe how much better you feel afterwards.”
Hear Graham and his cardiologist, Mr Ahmed, discuss how they decided on the best treatment option.
Mr Ahmed
“Patients are much better informed nowadays, there’s much more information available in the literature and on the web. And I think that is a good thing, patients need to be able to decide what type of valve they’re going to choose.”
Getting ready for your consultation
If you need a valve replacement, you will be referred for a consultation with the Heart Team. This is the time for decision-making, so it’s vital you come to conclusions together with your physician.
There are things you can do to get ready for your appointment:
- Track and record your symptoms
- Record any key information including any family history of heart disease, major stresses, or recent life changes
- Make a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements
- Arrange to have a family member or friend go with you to the consultation if possible
- Record your diet and exercise habits. If you don’t already eat healthily and exercise, your doctor may want to talk to you about making some changes to improve your general health
- Write down any questions to ask your doctor
- Consider which type of valve you think may best suit your needs, as this will be an important factor in your doctor’s decision
The team will talk you through the options that are available to you and follow a set of guidelines that recommend you are involved in the decision on the type of valve you will receive.1
Assessments ahead of surgery
Before your surgery you will have several assessments to review your details. You can discuss details about your valve replacement and get answers to any questions you may have, as well as advice on any lifestyle changes you can make ahead of your procedure.2
Your assessments may involve:
Tests to check your heart and general health
A review of your medical background, including any allergies and past reactions to anaesthesia
How can I prepare for my surgery?
While you wait for your surgery to take place, there are a few things you can do to improve your overall health. Your doctor or nurse can provide you with some help and guidance in achieving these, if needed:3
If you smoke, consider reducing or quitting altogether
If you're overweight, shedding some pounds can improve your health before the surgery
Stay physically active within the limits of your condition
Schedule a dental check-up to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health. This will help minimise any infection risk during surgery
Arrange for a family member or friend to be with you after the procedure for support
What will happen during my procedure?
Surgical aortic valve replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure.2 The operation usually lasts a few hours and involves making a small cut in your chest to access your heart.2 Your existing aortic valve is then replaced with a new valve, which can be either a mechanical or tissue valve.2