Heart valve replacement surgery is complex. This procedure involves replacing a damaged heart valve with a biological prosthetic valve. The recovery period may take certain weeks or months based on the healing ability and strength of individuals.
Because it is a major surgery, eating healthy foods matters to prevent troubles. It helps increase body resistance and encourages you to adapt to the new heart valve. Patients who undergo synthetic valve surgery must change their lifestyle to recover faster.
Most often the experts recommend you the specific do’s and don’ts that may change later based on your health condition and improvement.
While a healthy diet plays a vital role, this article aims to guide you with a post-surgery diet plan. Continue reading to prepare your body to obtain the normal state.
What Diet Should You Follow After Heart Valve Replacement?
A healthy diet is not scary, just include your meals with rich fiber, nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory foods like legumes, whole grains, nuts, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Whole Grains
Following surgery, your body will feel down. It needs gentle food items, especially whole grains including oats, brown rice, wheat bread, etc,. Regular consumption of whole grain foods significantly reduces the risk range of coronary heart disease. It includes the healthy components like fiber, phytochemicals and other essentials include magnesium, copper and selenium
Healthy Protein
Opt for low-fat proteins that typically reduce digestive issues post-surgery. Consider improving your health with valuable items like skinless chicken breast and fatty fish (Salmon, sardines or tuna). These choices of foods contain heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nuts
We couldn’t miss the nuts while following a healthy diet. Intake of low sodium nuts options like almonds, pistachios and walnuts are more likely to improve heart function and reduce inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables
Nothing is more best for your health than vegetables and fruits. The foods like higher fibre, fruits, vegetables, vitamins and anti-oxidants prepare your immune system and support overall health.
Dairy Products
Of course, dairy products are not highly recommended but still it is essential. The yogurt and cheese contain sufficient nutrients that your health actually needs for post-surgery. They are rich in probiotics, protein and calcium.
Notably, low-fat dairy products are only advisable to consume and you may encounter unexpected impacts like digestive troubles, poor heart health, etc.
What Should Not Eat After Heart Valve Replacement?
After surgery, doctors will definitely ask you to stay away from these kinds of food items that cause strain to your heart.
High Sodium Foods
Fluid retention makes your heart strain and causes discomfort. Limiting salt intake will be an easy solution to stop retention.
Excessively Spicy Foods
Eating spicy foods is extremely dangerous. It triggers heartburn and digestive troubles for many after heart valve surgery.
Excessive Sugar
Avoid taking high amounts of sugar content. It may tend to weight gain, inflammation or high blood pressure.
High Vitamin K
Enriched level of Vitamin K is not highly advisable as it potentially prevents the formation of blood clots in the heart.
Fried Foods And Trans Fats
Essential to stop eating trans fats and fried foods contribute to cholesterol buildup and increase inflammation. It contributes to high blood pressure, excessive weight gain, inflammation and elevated triglycerides.
Refined Carbs
Food with high carbohydrates and low in nutrients poorly increases inflammation and weight gain like pastries and white bread. Additionally, they can directly interfere with medications and impact heart rhythms.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol are the biggest enemies that can directly interfere with medications and cause heart diseases. Excessive consumption typically increases heart beat and negatively influences the medications. It is advisable to avoid at least 2 weeks from the heart valve replacement surgery.
What is the Aftercare for Heart Valve Replacement?
You will take 4 to 8 weeks of time to recover from heart valve replacement surgery. Before leaving the hospital, patients need to talk to their experts to have detailed instructions about health. Especially, the medications, exercises, and what should do and what shouldn’t.
For some days, you may feel tired and more likely to have a rest often. But for at least a few weeks (minimum of 6 weeks) you should not lift any heavy weight that puts more pressure on the heart.
Conclusion
Heart valve diseases are crucial but not dangerous, they can be treated easily with modern medications. Since it matters how efficiently you care for your health after surgery. Most specifically, the food items that you consume.
With this in mind, this article is written with a significant diet plan that includes what to consume and what shouldn’t. Now, you get an idea about the whole and start following it.
FAQs
How Long is a Heart Valve Replacement Good for?
In the past, doctors recommended replacing the biological valve within 10 years and its functionalities may start to fade. However, recent studies stated that it will last for 15 to 20 years.
What Foods Are Good for Heart Valve Patients?
According to the dietary guidance, patients can take foods that support improving heart health like grains, oats, barley, spelt, whole grain bread, etc.
Can You Live a Normal Life After a Valve Replacement?
Of course, why not? With a positive spirit and heart-healthy lifestyle, patients can gradually come back to their normal lives without any hurdles. Going for regular checkups is advisable to ensure your body’s improvement.
What is the Best Fruit for the Heart Valve?
Some fruits that are extremely beneficial for patients after heart valve replacement surgery include raspberries, strawberries, black currants, and blueberries. They contain rich fiber and antioxidants to fight against heart diseases.
