Heart valve surgery recovery

Special instructions after heart valve surgery

If you have valve disease, or have had surgery to repair or replace a heart valve, you are considered at high risk for an infection.

Bacterial endocarditis is a serious valve infection. Taking antibiotics prior to procedures might reduce your risk of developing an infection on or around your heart valve.

Antibiotic treatment before dental work

Antibiotics are recommended prior to dental work for people with a prosthetic heart valve or who have had endocarditis.

It is important that you tell all doctors, dentists or orthodontists that you have had valve surgery before any dental procedure so that they can determine the most appropriate care.

Blood thinners (anticoagulants)

If you are taking a blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin (Coumadin®) or Clopoderigel (Plavix®), or, to a lesser extent, aspirin, you are at higher risk for bleeding.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice bruising, nose bleeds, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or black, tarry stools. Also, alert your doctor if you vomit, or cough up blood or a coffee-ground-like material.

Many medications and herbal supplements can interact with blood thinners, so be sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you are taking. Keep a list of your medications with you.

Patients who take Coumadin® will have their blood counts monitored frequently as a routine part of their care so that medication adjustments can be made as necessary.