Symptoms Addressed by Valve Replacement

• Shortness of breath, especially on exertion or lying down

• Fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance

• Chest pain or angina

• Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat

• Swelling in legs or abdomen due to heart failure

• Fainting or dizziness in severe cases

Procedure Overview

1. Pre-operative Assessment

   • Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, CT/MRI, and blood tests

   • Evaluation of comorbidities and surgical risk

2. Valve Replacement Surgery

   • General anesthesia administered

   • Median sternotomy or minimally invasive approach

   • Diseased valve excised and replaced with mechanical or biological valve

   • On-pump (heart-lung machine) or off-pump surgery depending on condition

3. Post-operative Care

   • ICU stay for 2–5 days with monitoring

   • Medications to prevent blood clots (for mechanical valves)

   • Gradual mobilization, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modification

   • Regular follow-up for valve function assessment

Benefits of Heart Valve Replacement

• Restores normal blood flow and heart function

• Relieves symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and chest pain

• Prevents complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke

• Long-term solution for valve disease (mechanical valves last longer than tissue valves)

• Improves overall quality of life and life expectancy

Cost of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Table 1: Average Heart Valve Replacement Cost in India

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Type of valve – Mechanical valves are generally costlier upfront but last longer; tissue valves may require future replacement

2. Hospital and surgical facilities – Advanced cardiac centers with minimally invasive techniques charge more

3. Patient condition – Comorbidities or complications may increase hospitalization and expenses

4. Number of valves replaced – Multi-valve surgery costs more than single valve replacement

5. Pre- and post-operative care – Imaging, ICU stay, medications, and follow-up visits contribute to overall cost