The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. It has 4 pumping chambers: 2 upper chambers called atria and 2 lower chambers called ventricles. Valves between the pumping chambers of the heart allow blood to flow through the heart.
Tricuspid valve – Located between the right atrium and right ventricle
Pulmonary valve – Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
Mitral valve – Located between the left atrium and left ventricle
Aortic valve – Located between the left ventricle and the aorta
If the valve is damaged or diseased and is not functioning properly, repair or replacement may be required. Conditions that can cause heart valves to malfunction include valve stenosis (stiffness) and valve regurgitation (leaky valves).
What is the Average Heart Valve Surgery Cost in India?
The average heart valve replacement cost in India is Rs 2 40,000. However, this depends on many factors.
There are two main types of heart valve defects that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Stenosis: Refers to the condition of narrowing of the heart valves.
Regurgitation: Refers to a leaky condition in the valve that allows blood to flow backwards.
Why do I need heart valve repair or surgical replacement?
Valve repair, or surgical replacement, is performed to correct problems caused by one or more diseased heart valves.
If your heart valves are damaged or diseased, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Dizzy
- Chest pain
- Hard to breath
- Heart rate
- Swelling (swelling) in the legs, ankles, or abdomen (stomach)
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
There may be other reasons your healthcare provider might recommend surgery to repair or replace your heart valves.
What are the risks of heart valve repair or heart valve replacement?
The potential risks of heart valve repair or replacement include:
Bleeding during or after surgery
- Blood clots that can cause a heart attack, stroke or lung problems
- infection
- lung infection
- pancreatitis
- hard to breath
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
- Repaired or replaced valve will not work properly
- Dead
Other risks may exist depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.
How do I prepare for heart valve repair or heart valve replacement?
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and you can ask questions.
You will be asked to sign a consent form giving your permission to perform the operation. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
In addition to taking a complete medical history, your doctor may perform a complete physical exam before surgery to make sure you are in good health. You may need blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
You will be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8 hours before the procedure, usually after midnight.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medicines, iodine, latex, patches, or anesthetics (local and general).
Make sure your doctor knows all the medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop some of these drugs before surgery.
Your doctor may do blood tests before surgery to determine how long it will take your blood to clot.
Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implanted heart device.
If you smoke, quit smoking as soon as possible. This increases your chances of a successful recovery after surgery and is good for your overall health.
Depending on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request a different specific supplement.
What happens after heart valve repair or heart valve replacement?
After surgery, members of the surgical team will take you to the recovery room and then to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where you will be closely monitored for several days. A nurse connects you to a machine that constantly shows you how to monitor your electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, other pressure readings, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels. Surgery to repair or replace an open heart valve usually requires a hospital stay of a few days or more.
You will most likely have a tube in your throat connected to a ventilator to help you breathe until you are stable enough to breathe on your own. If you wake up from anesthesia and breathe longer on your own, your doctor may adjust your ventilator to accommodate more of your breathing. When you are awake enough to breathe and cough on your own, your doctor will clear your throat. He can also remove the feeding tube at this time.
