No matter what your course of treatment, you’ll need to see your primary care provider and cardiologist regularly. This will allow them to monitor your health and ensure the treatment is working as intended. Take your medicines as directed and make any heart-healthy lifestyle changes your provider recommends, such as improving your diet and getting more active.

If you had aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve, you’ll need to take blood-thinning medicines moving forward. You won’t have to take these medicines if you had a replacement valve made of animal tissue, but you may need another replacement eventually.

Depending upon your condition and the severity of treatment and symptoms, pregnancy needs to be monitored closely. Sometimes, it is not recommended at all. If you are thinking about having a baby, please talk to your doctor. At UK HealthCare, we will work with you to ensure you and your baby remain healthy. Our experts work closely with a team of OB-GYN specialists dedicated to managing high-risk pregnancy.