After the heart valve procedure

After open-heart surgery, the patient will be transferred to a cardiac intensive care unit, where he or she will be monitored continually. The patient will be on a respirator. Once the patient is awake and able to breathe independently, the breathing tube and respirator will be removed.

Family may be able to visit at this time, but should be aware that the patient is likely to be groggy and somewhat disoriented. The site of incision in the chest may be sore, so painkillers may be administered. Blood samples will be taken and electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors will continuously record the electrical activity of the heart.

Patients usually stay in the hospital for five days to a week. During this time, stitches will be removed from the chest and more tests will be done to assess and monitor the patient’s condition. The cardiologist will discuss further medical treatment, including the use of pain medications, antibiotics and/or anticoagulants. He or she will also update any medications that the patient had already been taking.

After leaving the hospital, cardiologists usually encourage patients to better protect themselves from complications by:

• Eating healthy
• Avoiding smoking
• Losing any excess weight
• Exercising regularly under a physician's guidance