Recovery Care Tips for Patients After Rheumatic Heart Valve Surgery

After undergoing heart valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease, patients typically spend some time in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and treatment. During this phase, family members don't need to prepare anything special. Once the patient's condition stabilizes and they are moved to a general ward, the caregivers will play a more active role in the recovery process. Below are the key points to consider during post-surgery care:

1. Focus on a Nutrient-Rich and Balanced Diet

Proper nutrition is essential for a full recovery. Patients should consume easily digestible meals that are rich in calories, protein, and vitamins. However, it's important to manage fluid intake carefully. Since many patients have compromised heart function before surgery, and the operation itself may temporarily affect heart performance, excessive fluid consumption can increase blood volume and place additional strain on the heart. Family members should work with medical staff to ensure the patient follows a heart-friendly diet and stays properly hydrated without overloading the cardiovascular system.

2. Encourage Early Physical Activity and Respiratory Exercises

Mobility is a key part of recovery. While patients may still be in bed during the early recovery phase, they should be assisted in performing gentle movements to promote circulation and prevent complications like blood clots or pneumonia. Encouraging the patient to sit up, move limbs, and eventually walk short distances can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Additionally, patients should be reminded to cough gently and take deep breaths to clear secretions and prevent lung infections.

3. Adhere to the Prescribed Medication Schedule

After heart surgery, most patients require medication to support heart function and prevent complications. These may include medications such as cardiac stimulants, diuretics, potassium supplements, and in some cases, vasodilators or anticoagulants. It is crucial that patients follow the prescribed regimen exactly as directed by their doctor. Skipping doses or altering the medication schedule can delay recovery or lead to serious complications.

4. Gradual Return to Normal Activities

Once the patient has been discharged—usually around one week after surgery—the focus shifts to home-based recovery. During this phase, it's important to balance rest with light physical activity. Patients should avoid overexertion and aim to stay active at a level that doesn't cause fatigue or shortness of breath. Walking, light stretching, and other low-impact exercises are typically encouraged, but strenuous activities should be avoided until cleared by a physician.

5. Monitor Anticoagulant Therapy for Mechanical Valve Recipients

For patients who have received a mechanical heart valve, lifelong anticoagulation therapy is necessary to prevent blood clots. This requires careful monitoring, as too much anticoagulant can lead to bleeding, while too little can result in clot formation. Regular blood tests, particularly the INR (International Normalized Ratio) test, are essential to adjust medication dosage accordingly. Patients should also follow up with their cardiologist as scheduled to ensure long-term heart health and proper valve function.