Can you live a normal life after aortic valve repair or replacement?

By ShareMD Connect

Aortic stenosis can derail your life, especially when symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, and dizziness leave you unable to do many of the things you once loved. 

If left untreated, it can also be deadly. In those with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis mortality rates are high, at an estimated 50% after one year, and sudden cardiac death is a rare, but very real, risk. Plus, those living with untreated severe aortic stenosis can suffer a major, life-altering event such as a stroke, which can make your quality of life even worse.

If you’ve decided that it’s time to explore treatment options then you have learned that the only real treatment for aortic stenosis is surgery. And while you can find a lot of research and details about available procedures, you may be left wondering, “can I live a normal life after aortic valve repair or replacement?” 

The short answer is: yes. However, there are some exceptions that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common questions our nurses at ShareMD hear when talking to people thinking about aortic valve repair or replacement.

Will I still have symptoms after surgery?

It depends. If your symptoms are caused only by aortic stenosis then there’s a good chance that surgery will get rid of or alleviate your symptoms.

In fact, recent research shows that 91% of those who had either a TAVR or SAVR procedure report overall improvements in quality of life at the 5-year mark. But if your symptoms are caused by something else such as lung disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or anxiety, then surgery may not give you the results you’re looking for.

In that case, symptom management through medication may be a better route. Be sure to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor so that you can understand what treatment will and won’t do for you.

Will I have to change my lifestyle after surgery?

Most physicians will prescribe at least some lifestyle change during the post-surgical recovery period. If you have a SAVR procedure, that usually lasts 6-8 weeks. If you have a TAVR procedure, recovery is usually about one week. 

After that, your lifestyle may or may not change depending on how you lived before surgery.

An important part of managing your disease is also managing your diet, getting enough exercise, and maintaining healthy habits. It’s important to talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes before undergoing any procedure so that you’re equipped with the right tools before you go home.

Will I have to have another procedure in the future? 

This depends on many factors like your age, the severity of your disease, if you have other heart conditions, and which procedure you choose. 

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure, but it hasn’t been around as long as SAVR so we aren’t yet aware of its long-term outcomes. It’s possible that those who undergo a TAVR procedure may need another operation in the future, only time and additional research will tell.

Additionally, there is a chance that TAVR procedures can damage the electrical wiring in your heart, which may result in the need for a pacemaker at some point in your future.

The good news is that research shows bioprosthetic valves are a durable alternative to mechanical valves with a lifespan of 5-10 years. But because the procedure is still relatively new compared to SAVR, we’re unable to predict much farther beyond that. 

If reducing the number of procedures you have in the future is important to you, be sure to share that perspective with your doctor before making a treatment decision.

The path to getting your life back

After being diagnosed with aortic stenosis, you may feel defeated and wonder if you will be stuck feeling this way forever. The good news is that a normal life is possible for most people. 

Research has demonstrated a significant improvement in overall quality of life in those that undergo surgical treatment, either by SAVR or TAVR, and the decisions you make about how to manage your disease now can significantly impact your long-term quality of life.

With the right treatment and supportive healthcare team, you can manage your aortic stenosis and get back to doing the things you love.