Post-Op Care Immediately After Treatment

Immediately following treatment for heart valve disease, you will begin with basic self-care and will be encouraged to start moving as soon as possible. This includes getting up, breathing deeply, resuming eating and drinking, and beginning to walk.

Days and Weeks Following Your Treatment

In the days and weeks after your treatment, you can expect to gradually regain your energy and return to normal activities. Around three weeks post-treatment, you should be able to walk for about 10 minutes a few times a day. By six weeks, you should be comfortably walking for up to 30 minutes at a time.

How Can Diet and Exercise Help in My Recovery?

Diet and Exercise: Two critical components of recovery and long-term health are maintaining a balanced diet and following a regular exercise routine.

• Diet: Follow any specific dietary recommendations provided by your doctor. If no special diet is prescribed, aim for a balanced, heart-healthy diet to aid in your recovery and reduce fatigue. Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (including fish), and low-fat dairy products. Limit foods high in saturated fats, sugars, salt, and sodium, and avoid processed meats. A low-fat, low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Consult your healthcare provider before using any supplemental calcium.
• Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine is essential for maintaining heart health and aiding recovery. Start with light activities and gradually increase the intensity as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Maintaining these practices not only supports your recovery but also contributes to overall heart health and well-being.