How to Use Your Arms After Aortic Valve Replacement

The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Its purpose is to keep the blood pumped by the heart from rushing back in as the heart muscle relaxes. When this valve weakens, a condition known as aortic stenosis, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood than it otherwise would. In many such cases, the sufferer will have an aortic valve replacement.

After such a surgery, you'll likely have to spend between three and seven days in the hospital. Beyond that, you'll have to restrict the movement of your arms and upper body.

Instructions

• 1

  Completely avoid activities involving difficult arm motions or heavy arm stress. Do not reach backwards. Try not to lift anything at all; certainly don't lift anything heavier than five to seven pounds. And don't do anything that will require your arms to be held above your head for any extended period of time.

• 2

  Be careful with everyday arm motions. Be gentle as you brush your teeth; keep your arms tight at your sides as you lift yourself out of a bed or a chair; use caution as you bend forward to tie your shoes. If you feel tugging pain at your incision site, stop whatever activity causes you the discomfort.

• 3

  Consult with your doctor about physical therapy, and reach a consensus about how soon you can return to various activities. Some patients with aortic valve replacement, for instance, can drive a car within a few weeks of the surgery, while it may take as long as a month or six weeks for others. If you ever feel sharp pain or discomfort, limit activity and call a doctor.