Heart Valve Repair Exercises at Home

If you have had surgery to repair or replace one of your heart valves, you will want to be cautious when resuming physical activity and exercise at home. However, under the guidance of your doctor, you will be able to exercise moderately and resume many normal daily activities. Expect to take 4 to 6 weeks to fully heal and begin to feel normal following heart valve repair surgery.

Exercise

• It is beneficial to remain active following heart valve surgery, but take things slowly. Some of the best ways to get exercise are to simply engage in normal household activities. Move around by setting the table, dusting, or folding laundry to help you loosen up and start using muscles. The University of California School of Cardiothoracic Surgery says climbing stairs is fine, though not immediately following surgery. Be sure to hold the handrail when climbing stairs, and rest if you feel any type of strain. Taking walks is also fine, but start with short distances and then gradually make them longer. At first, it's a good idea to stay close to home in case you start to feel uncomfortable. For example, take a walk around the block.

Considerations

• Avoid exercise or activities that require your arms to be above shoulder level for long periods of time. Avoid any activity or exercise that causes pain or pulling across your chest, such as reaching backwards. Lifting weights is not an advisable exercise, as recommendations are to avoid lifting more than 5 to 7 pounds for about 3 months following surgery. Space your activities and allow for rest periods. Avoiding fatigue and getting enough sleep are very important considerations following heart valve repair surgery.