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Heart valve replacement surgery is generally considered effective, and you should feel some benefits of your new prosthetic heart valve almost immediately. However, surgery is not without risks, and complications are possible. You need to know about them so you can alert your doctor if you notice symptoms.
Over time, you should be able to engage in your normal activities again. Each patient recovers at his or her own pace. Recovery depends on your overall strength and condition. The effects of your old, damaged valve on your body will gradually fade as your new prosthetic heart valve begins to help your heart function more efficiently.
Surgical aortic and mitral valve replacement risks can include the following:
The potential risks are shown in the order of severity, from most severe to least severe. This list does not include all risks. For more information regarding valve replacement surgery, talk to your doctor.